Chosen and Called

Homily on the 3rd Sunday after Pascha

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7

As many of you know I am about to complete my diaconal ministry with the upcoming ordination to priesthood. Having ample time in the deaconate which is not as many think; a stepping stone to the priesthood, but a ministry within itself that encapsulates Christ’ love and service to His Church!

Hence, the deaconate is a sublime ministry and a period of time (Min 3 years) to totally comprehend its very function via liturgy, teaching, administration and last but not least tender care to those who live beyond the margin of religiosity!

In the book of Acts it talks about the institution/fulfillment of the Levitical order which we come to know as the order of deacons....not for liturgical service alone but for the administration of the Church rendered in care for her children!

For example, in the parable of the good Samaritan where a priest and a LEVITE sees the wounded man and walks by the other side.

Yet the good Samaritan who is the stranger tends to the abandoned person's physical needs in providing the means of healing, food, clothing and shelter at the inn and pays for his accommodation and tells the manager he will repay whatever else is needful for his stay when he returns...

Each ministry especially the diaconate is Christ's hands and feet in the world and we are to render not only with words but via action/works as the epistle of the apostle James states: faith without works is dead!

Thus, when the Lord of His church returns will he find faith in works or dead works in the feature of faith which in this situation is a deceit onto itself!

A few weeks ago, whilst I was working a stranger approached me and wished me a good day to which I reciprocated the well wishes. Hence, in the weeks that followed he came to say hello and began to have small conversations with me.

However, last week he completely opened up to me and revealed to me all the hurt suffering and pain he has endured throughout his life. By the way this man has no idea that I am a clergyman who wanted an opinion from the Churches point of view he just felt that he could talk to he as a person.

Thus, this is what Jesus meant when He said “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jh 13:34-35