Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest
Readings for Saturday of the Second Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 6:1-7
This account from Acts is considered to be the institution of the diaconate or the Order of Deacons. There is a clear delineation of roles. The Apostles retain their pastoral role as shepherds of the faith (through “prayer and ministry of the word.”) while assigning the service role (distribution of food and material to the needy) to Stephen and his six brother deacons. It is noteworthy to observe that Stephen and Philip especially began their own service of the word as well.
Understanding the roots of the imposition of hands is key to understanding the rationale for its use in the ordained function. While this was a Hebrew tradition for designating a person for a task, it was later adopted by the Church as a mark of ordination and sacramental selection by God (see also the sacrament of Confirmation).
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
This song of thanksgiving links nicely to the virtue of the seven deacons above (Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy”)
Gospel Jn 6:16-21
This is the fifth sign of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God from John’s Gospel. We see Jesus sharing God’s power (see also Job 9:8). The disciples are in a boat at night and the sea is up (“The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing”). They were clearly frightened by their situation when the Lord appeared and said “It is I, Do not be afraid.” Immediately they were relieved and wanted to take him aboard but before they could do so they arrived at their destination.
Reflection:
We have choices again today as to which part of scripture we reflect upon. While the story from the Gospel is compelling because of all the neat metaphors built into the story (The disciples fear and how the Lord’s presence calmed them; their need to bring him into the boat; the Lord’s identity revealed as he assumed power reserved to the Father) the Deacon must address the reading from Acts.
There has been a good deal of talk lately about roles within the Church. A number of articles have recently been published about the ordination of women by the Catholic Church and arguments pro and con have been flourishing. Today an important event is defined in scripture. Most biblical and Church scholars agree that the appointment of the seven Hellenists represents the establishment of the diaconate in the Christian community.
St. Timothy later fleshes out the selection criteria for deacons, but here the Apostles select these men to provide service to the community. They pray over them and impose hands upon them, calling them pointedly to service.
In today’s Church there is more ritual associated with such events. The Church has taken this act and made it a great celebration (I believe rightly). But the essence of what took place with the Apostles is still the focus. So why is there so much envy? What is it about giving up time most members of our society treasure as leisure time to work, usually thanklessly, for the poor that stirs up envy? What is there about doing dishes in the bowels of the parish after every one has gone home that is glamorous? This is the work of the deacon in the Church today. Perhaps there are some who understand this, but they must be very wise.
St. Paul says it best in his First Letter to the Corinthians; “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” Perhaps what we need to remember most is that Christ came to serve all mankind and that service was not intended to generate honor for those of service but for the God in whose name that service was done. If we can keep that squarely in focus we will be with him who died as his final service to us.
Pax
Readings for Saturday of the Second Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 6:1-7
This account from Acts is considered to be the institution of the diaconate or the Order of Deacons. There is a clear delineation of roles. The Apostles retain their pastoral role as shepherds of the faith (through “prayer and ministry of the word.”) while assigning the service role (distribution of food and material to the needy) to Stephen and his six brother deacons. It is noteworthy to observe that Stephen and Philip especially began their own service of the word as well.
Understanding the roots of the imposition of hands is key to understanding the rationale for its use in the ordained function. While this was a Hebrew tradition for designating a person for a task, it was later adopted by the Church as a mark of ordination and sacramental selection by God (see also the sacrament of Confirmation).
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
This song of thanksgiving links nicely to the virtue of the seven deacons above (Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy”)
Gospel Jn 6:16-21
This is the fifth sign of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God from John’s Gospel. We see Jesus sharing God’s power (see also Job 9:8). The disciples are in a boat at night and the sea is up (“The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing”). They were clearly frightened by their situation when the Lord appeared and said “It is I, Do not be afraid.” Immediately they were relieved and wanted to take him aboard but before they could do so they arrived at their destination.
Reflection:
We have choices again today as to which part of scripture we reflect upon. While the story from the Gospel is compelling because of all the neat metaphors built into the story (The disciples fear and how the Lord’s presence calmed them; their need to bring him into the boat; the Lord’s identity revealed as he assumed power reserved to the Father) the Deacon must address the reading from Acts.
There has been a good deal of talk lately about roles within the Church. A number of articles have recently been published about the ordination of women by the Catholic Church and arguments pro and con have been flourishing. Today an important event is defined in scripture. Most biblical and Church scholars agree that the appointment of the seven Hellenists represents the establishment of the diaconate in the Christian community.
St. Timothy later fleshes out the selection criteria for deacons, but here the Apostles select these men to provide service to the community. They pray over them and impose hands upon them, calling them pointedly to service.
In today’s Church there is more ritual associated with such events. The Church has taken this act and made it a great celebration (I believe rightly). But the essence of what took place with the Apostles is still the focus. So why is there so much envy? What is it about giving up time most members of our society treasure as leisure time to work, usually thanklessly, for the poor that stirs up envy? What is there about doing dishes in the bowels of the parish after every one has gone home that is glamorous? This is the work of the deacon in the Church today. Perhaps there are some who understand this, but they must be very wise.
St. Paul says it best in his First Letter to the Corinthians; “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” Perhaps what we need to remember most is that Christ came to serve all mankind and that service was not intended to generate honor for those of service but for the God in whose name that service was done. If we can keep that squarely in focus we will be with him who died as his final service to us.
Pax
Please Pray for Esther.
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “St. Stephen is Consecrated Deacon” by Vittore Carpaccio, 1511
No comments:
Post a Comment