“Entrusted with His Mission”
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Acts 6:1–6
At that time, 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.
Grace Prayed For
Pray for the grace to recognize your unique place in Christ’s Body, to receive the Spirit’s wisdom and strength, and to courageously share your gifts in service to the mission of Jesus.
Reflection
This passage opens my eyes to the truth that belonging to Christ’s Body is not passive but deeply participatory. As the early Church grew, new needs arose, and Jesus, through His apostles, called ordinary men to extraordinary service. Their mission was not glamorous but essential: to ensure that no one in the Body was forgotten, especially the vulnerable.
Jesus unites me to His Body so that I may both share in His mission and receive from the gifts of others. The apostles devoted themselves to prayer and preaching, while the seven were entrusted with service — both were vital for the life of the Church. In the same way, my gifts, though different from others, are needed. Christ’s Body is not whole without each part.
In this moment, I see how Jesus loves me: He entrusts me with a place in His mission. He does not ask me to carry everything alone but to join my brothers and sisters in building up His Body. He has given me the Spirit and wisdom, just as He did Stephen and the others, so that in every encounter I may help restore what is broken and strengthen what is weak.
This passage reminds me that to grow in intimacy with my Trinitarian God is to live faithfully within the Body: the Father choosing me, the Son commissioning me, the Spirit equipping me. Jesus has impacted my life by showing me that I am not only loved but also needed — needed to bring His presence into the world through prayer, service, and witness. When I share and receive in love, His Body becomes visible, and His mission moves forward.
Announcing Jesus in Our Lives
Ways to Evangelize in Daily Life
- Serve with love — look for those overlooked in daily life and respond with kindness, patience, and presence.
- Witness through story — share how Jesus has loved you and changed your life, in simple conversations.
- Be attentive to needs — just as the seven served widows, find practical ways to help those in need around you.
- Prioritize prayer and the Word — let your service flow from time with God, so your witness is Spirit-filled.
- Encourage others’ gifts — affirm how God is at work in those around you, building them up as members of the Body.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
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