Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 22, 2023 - 2nd Week of Easter - Sat
[Acts 6:1-7 and John 6:16-21]As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among 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." [Acts]
The idealistic picture of the early Christian community in Jerusalem [2:42-47 and 4:32-37] suddenly disappears with the story of the division between "Hellenists" and "Hebrews." The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews who had moved to Jerusalem from communities elsewhere in the Mediterranean area (the "disapora"). The "Hebrews" were Aramaic-speaking Jews who lived in and around Jerusalem. A dispute arose because the Greek-speakers felt their widows were being short-changed in the welfare system set up to take care of widows and other vulnerable members of the community. The solution was to turn the system over to the Hellenists. The Twelve remove themselves from a difficult situation while maintaining overall control. Hmmmm.....sounds rather modern, doesn't it?
One of the distinct features of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council has been the restoration of the "order of Deacon" from a penultimate step to priesthood to a status of its own. Permanent deacons are a regular ministry in most parishes in this country. Although the initial appointment of the Seven was to "wait on table," we see them doing more in the stories of Stephen and Philip. Scripture scholars warn us about a too-easy identification of the Seven with the modern permanent diaconate, and the role is still developing, especially with the official study going on about the admission of women to the order of deacon. Nevertheless, today's passage gives us an opportunity to reflect on a reality that some of us remember as a brand-new thing in 1965, even if its roots were set in an ancient argument about food distribution! I have given retreats for Permanent Deacons and their spouses all over this country and have found them to be dedicated and holy people. AMEN