Take Care of the Widows

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

Acts 6:1-6 The Message

The Word of God Prospered

6 1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”
5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
Philip,
Procorus,
Nicanor,
Timon,
Parmenas,
Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.
Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

For Reflection

Two thousand years ago, widows were persona non grata. Without a husband, women were cast aside, penniless, and sometimes homeless. If the scripture seems a bit like a political action committee, it is! (Well in part.)

In today's world, we might advocate for a Government Widow's Assistance Program and ignore our Christian responsibility to act benevolently. Sharing our wealth through taxes sometimes makes us think we have satisfied God's call.  However, Christians are called to pray with personal action in addition to secular activity.

Christians are called to pray with their arms and legs.  But not all are called to the same benevolent task.  Each of us has to find his or her niche.

Pray
Pray, so that you will find your vocation in filling the spiritual desire of your heart.

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