First Reading: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm: 33. R. v. 22; Gospel: Jn 6:16-21

THE PRIORITY OF THE GOSPEL

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

When some disagreement started between the Hellenist and the Hebrew widows with regard to food distribution, the apostles summoned the body of the disciples and ordered them to choose among themselves seven reputable men to take responsibility for the distribution of food. “It is not right” they said, “that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” And for this reason, they chose to focus on their vocation of preaching the word and left every other responsibility to the other disciples.

The apostles knew how delicate the task of preaching the gospel was; and for this reason they wanted to handle it with all amount of care. For every minister of the word, the preaching of the gospel must not suffer for whatever reason. When we commit ourselves to some other personal responsibilities, the ministry of the word must not suffer because of them.

As priests pastoring a parish, we should actively involve the Christian faithful in the smooth running of our pastoral duties and not burden ourselves with so many responsibilities to the detriment of being an inefficient pastor. The Christian faithful on the other hand should always be ready and disposed to use their talents and gifts to help to serve the Christian community whenever the need arises. If as a community of believers we give in our best through the use of our gifts and talents to serve one another; we will overcome every discord and hitches among us.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us to appreciate the talents and gifts in one another. Amen.