These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
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.” (Acts 6:1-7)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041324.cfm
Problems of language have been with the church from the very beginning. To resolve the problem we have the institution of the Seven (all with Greek names!), who would later be identified with deacons. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and his family would gather in prayer with the early community (Acts 1:14).
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." (Jn 6:1-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041224.cfm
So much depends upon a boy with a bag lunch and a mom who lovingly prepared it for him—that’s how miracles happen.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34)
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041124.cfm
Taste and see . . . an interesting description of God’s goodness which points us to the Eucharist. Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079), the first native Polish saint, gave his life for Christ. HIs story is very similar to that of Saint Thomas Becket (1120-1170).
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (Jn 3:16-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041024.cfm
Scripture never intended that John 3:16 be used as a weapon to beat people over the head. The emphasis is not on the perishing part, but rather on the LOVE God has for the world and the gift of ETERNAL LIFE.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. (Acts 4:32-37)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040924.cfm
That very first community doesn’t sound like an endorsement of capitalism or free enterprise. It sounds very much like a commune. Maybe faith in the Risen Lord is not about getting ahead of your neighbors or making a nest egg for your retirement, but rather taking care of widows and orphans, the poor, and those no one else wants to welcome.
