Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 5th Sunday of Easter: May 7, 2023
 
Acts 6:1-7: This passage is a beautiful  example of how inspiringly the early Church was guided by the Holy Spirit. When Greek disciples complained that Greek widows were being given less food than Hebrew widows in the daily food distribution of the Church; the Apostles’ response reflects stunning wisdom, holy prudence and exemplary generosity and trust. What do the Apostles do? They must have prayed for Holy diplomacy, first… then they facilitated the Greek    community’s choosing seven Greek members of that community to be ordained as Deacons. Those seven Greek deacons then were given charge over the food distribution for the entire early Church! For us, this gives a powerful message of empowering minority groups, and of establishing a Church that operates, largely, like a family; wherein all are welcome and treated, respectfully.
 
Psalm 33: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” After pondering the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit that guided the early Church in today’s first reading, it’s appropriate that we sing a song of praise and thanksgiving . The Church continues to strive for justice and fairness for all… reflecting an appreciation and respect for everyone, regardless of age, developmental level, race, ethnicity,  social status or level of personal wealth. Jesus promises us that those who hunger and thirst for justice are not only blessed… but are       assured that they will be satisfied. God’s version of justice will never disappoint! Our God is infinitely loving, kind and all-knowing; and God is in charge and has Dominion over all. What have we to fear?
 
Take some time this week to ponder God’s love, mercy and justice. Let your longing heart be filled with peace, even as you contemplate your burdens and those of our world.  Our God reigns!
 
1 Peter 2:4-9: In a moving metaphor, we’re being called to imitate our dear Lord. Because of His exemplary love, faith and self-sacrifice, Jesus became the “Living Cornerstone” of the Church. We, too are being called to give our “complete substance” to God and God’s Church; to include our hearts, minds, souls… and even our bodies in humble works of service to our Church and its members. By becoming part of the foundation, we agree to endure with love and faith, our share of the Church’s mission, ministry and triumphs… and, yes, even its sorrows and challenges and persecutions from others.
 
Lord, make of us pure foundation stones that will stay in place and endure; despite fire or storm, wind or flood. Be our mortar to hold us all together. Make us forever one, for eternity in Heaven. Amen.
 
John14:1-12: This Gospel passage comprises something of a paradox. It’s gentle, loving and reassuring, but it’s also powerful. Jesus is telling us, tenderly, not to be afraid. When Jesus tells us that our Father’s house “has many mansions,” Jesus is reassuring us that Heaven and our Father’s love are limitless. The description of Heaven as having many mansions stresses the fact that Heaven will be home to very diverse people. Reflect that the mansions will differ, as very different accommodations and environments would be required to fully please each individual person. This is a contemplation on how well God knows each of us… even better than we know ourselves.
 
Our Most Blessed Trinity has very intimate plans to spend eternity with each of us… with intimately planned hospitality. In thus, such an    environment, we shall love, praise, adore and worship our God, forever. Alleluia! Alleluia!
 
In humble adoration, 
Deacon Matt