Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Unites Me to His Body
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
How Do I Grow in Ability to Share and Receive
The Heart of Service, the Gaze of Love
Acts 6:1-6
At that time, as the number of the 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.
Grace Prayed For
The grace to recognize and utilize the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us for service within the body of Christ, and the wisdom to prioritize prayer and the Word in our lives.
Reflection
In the early Church, we see a tender moment of discernment and care. A need arises—a group of widows is overlooked. The apostles, men immersed in the Word and prayer, do not react with haste but with wisdom. They do not cling to every responsibility but open themselves to the Spirit’s guidance, calling forth men filled with faith to serve.
Here, the Trinity is at work. The Father’s providence ensures that none are forgotten. The Son’s example of self-giving love inspires service. The Spirit moves in the community, calling forth men to be vessels of divine care. This passage is not just about organization; it is about the heart of God—one that notices, loves, and calls each person into His work.
Each of us is called into deeper communion with the Trinity through service. Service is not merely work; it is an encounter with Love. Jesus, who bent to wash the feet of His disciples, meets us when we bow to serve others. The Spirit, who anointed Christ for His mission, anoints us in our daily callings. And the Father, whose gaze is always upon us, delights in our hands when they mirror His mercy.
In the stillness of prayer, let us allow the Trinity to draw us near. What is the Lord asking of us? How is He inviting us to serve—not just with our hands, but with our hearts? The apostles remind us that before service comes prayer, and before action comes contemplation. To be near to God is to see as He sees, to love as He loves, and to serve as He serves.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage leads to greater intimacy with Jesus by demonstrating his example of prioritizing prayer and ministry of the Word. The apostles, following his lead, recognized the importance of these practices even amidst pressing needs. By emulating their commitment to prayer and the Word, we draw closer to Jesus’ own heart and priorities.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post