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/041826.cfm
Even the earliest community had problems of communication. It was solved by creating ministers who could speak the language of those to be served. In seminary I visited the neighboring village in southern Indiana. The billboard advertising the German-American National Bank read, Wir sprechen Ihre Sprache (We speak your language). https://youtu.be/ulIfFaDsRTw?si=K0sSkO5HbfqlLewk
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.
Saturday II, Easter
