Serve
The disciples did not want to serve at table because it is more important to teach and study the Word of God. So, they appointed others to do the hands-on jobs.
Wait a minute. Does this ring true? Didn’t Jesus, just a few months ago wash the feet of the disciples? Didn’t he explain to them they are to serve one another?
I can understand delegating tasks. I can understand empowering people to do the best they can. I also believe in the servant leadership model. The leader is the one who serves the others. It is much easier to follow and believe in a leader who gets their hands dirty than one who only dictates orders.
What is going on here is a problem in distribution of food. An administrative problem. The group of people converting to this new way are growing. Taking care of everyone’s needs adequately is becoming a challenge. Perhaps this is reflected today in the Church.
What is expected of priests? Should a priest oversee administrative issues? For centuries the priest would have to determine what his strengths were. Could he just focus on the pastoral ministries? If so, who would do the administrative side of the church? Should a priest do his own cooking, cleaning, washing? Not all priests are from the same cookie cutter. Just as when you and friends get together to read the Bible, you do not all have the same interpretation. Just so with priests. We do not all have the same interpretation. There are cultural issues, physical and mental capabilities, life issues, and we must forget, the Holy Spirit works differently in each of us.
Each of us in our churches brings what God has given us to work together and serve one another. Let us all minister to one another with love, patience, and kindness.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen