3 May, Sunday — We could all be deacons

5th Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-7
1 Pet 2:4-9
Jn 14:1-12

It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.

My original impression of the passage for today’s First Reading, probably due to the phrase “it is not right”, was that the work of ‘serving at table’ was regarded as a distraction from the disciples’ main tasks of prayer and evangelisation. Naturally this made me feel slightly indignant and also slightly saddened, since I have always been a do-er/worrier and tend to ‘sweat the small stuff’ (or in Biblical terms, be more of a Martha than Mary).

But when I went through the text again, I realised that my previous impression might not have been accurate. Based on this video, I learned that this passage describes the origin of the ministry of deacons, who continue to play a major role today as assistants to the priests. The level of detail devoted to the appointment of the seven men thus acknowledges the significance of their duties and shows it is necessary to find a balance between the two purposes of prayer and service. Further, it might also indicate that the work of serving at table was just as important as prayer, and perhaps can also serve as a means of prayer.

It also provides me reassurance that the wide spectrum of works we carry out today – from charity to serving at mass, to faith and fellowship (and even writing this blog!) is a valuable part of the church, even if what we do isn’t always easy or enjoyable.

Seen in this light, the gospel reading for today also gave me a better appreciation of what ‘the Father’s works’ could refer to. After all, Jesus was also familiar with service, even minute acts such as turning water into wine. The fact that He highlights how the works we do can help bring others to believe in Him and His Father can provide motivation to keep doing the best we can in what He has called us to do, and leave the rest in His hands.  

(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)

Prayer: Lord, we give you praise and thanksgiving for our various church ministries. May all we do give you glory and serve the flock you given us.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for trusting us to work with you and the gifts and skills you have bestowed onto us. Help us to cherish them.