Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 21, 2007 - Saturday in the Second Week of Easter
[Acts 6:1-7 and John 6:16-21]It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from aong you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
Although there is some debate about whether or not this passage denotes the origin of the diaconate in the church as a formal ministry, it is clear that early on the community found itself large enough and diverse enough to require some division of labor. It appears that the trigger for this was a dispute about distribution of community resources to the most vulnerable members of the community - widows! In any case, the disciples learned something that modern pastors know but sometimes fail to implement: THEY CAN'T DO IT ALL! The lesson is an ancient one. Look in the Old Testament where Moses' father-in-law takes Moses to task for trying to take care of all the community concerns! (Exodus 18:13-26) Some pastors (and I include some deacons in this too) seem to find greater fulfillment in the administrative and other challenges of running a parish and neglect the prayers and ministry of the word. As the late Fr. Damian Byrne, OP, former Master of the Dominican Order, once wrote: "It is ironic that we become so involved in the work of the Lord that we forget the Lord of the work!" The result is exhaustion both physical and spiritual - burnout in the classic sense of the word! The bishops recently issued a document on the subject of lay ministries. It is a good first step. There's concern that somehow the role of the priest will be eclipsed. I think this fear may be exaggerated. In any case, the lesson seems to be sinking in now. It's about time! AMEN
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