Appoint To This Task

April 21, 2012

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

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 6:1-4

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid.  But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."  They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.  John 6:19-21

Piety

Father, help us to lead lives which balance our piety, study and action in order to remain open vessels for you to work through us in the world.  Through your Son, keep us close to you no matter what our preoccupation.  Send your Spirit and wisdom to us to help us to evangelize always in our thoughts, words and deeds.  Amen.

Study

It is not right for us to neglect the word of God (our study) to serve at table (our action).  However, if people are tired, poor, hungry or thirsty, then they will not be fertile soil for the word of God to grow.  So it is not right to neglect our action in order to study the word of God.  

In our individual lives and in our community, we must make room for the Lord in our life through engaging in all three parts of the Cursillo tripod.  In this way, it will not matter what activity in which we are engaged, Jesus will come to us.  He will defeat distance and any other physical or metaphysical obstacles to become and remain a part of our lives.

Action

In what symbolic boat are you preoccupied?  Maybe it is a sports team or hobby, maybe it is a job or other household task that has you rowing away from the ability to connect with the friendship to the Lord.  

Make time and space for the Lord.  When you least expect it, He will walk into your lives through your interaction with others, with nature or with the metaphysical Spirit which has descended upon us on Pentecost and remains with us always.   

Continue your support for the men sharing the 124th Cursillo at Missionhurst through Sunday.