Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 13, 2024

Date:   Saturday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  Acts 6:1-7

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.”

The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today taken from Acts of the Apostles recounts the early Church’s quandary as their needs grew with the growth of the community. The apostles, presented with the problem of unmet needs looked to the larger community for helpers. This is the account of the origin of the diaconate in the Church. As more entered into serving Christ by serving one another, the Church grew even more.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What gifts has the Spirit given to me specifically that I could and should be using in service to Christ and my community?

Praying:

LORD,  Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come before You this day full of praise for You and with hearts full of thanksgiving for all You have given to us and made of us. We pray that through the guidance of the Spirit we might more fully participate in the mission to bring You to others and others to You. Help us to discern how to use the gifts You have given to us individually and collectively to bring You glory and to serve You and all your daughters and sons. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.