The Word
In the first reading the Apostles realized they needed to spend their time preaching the word and in prayer. The day-to-day chores were to be assigned to others.
Not that the Apostles were too important but rather everyone has a particular function in the community. You should focus on your talents and skills that bring glory to God. The Apostles want to focus on preaching the word.
So, what is the ‘word’ they are preaching? Now, don’t think about the word as we do in our culture. We are not even remotely close to first century thought. To assume word has the same meaning then as it does now is not right.
Then what does it mean. Begin with what first century people have. The Ten Commandments come to mind. But what is most amazing is that these people knew Jesus. Not like we know Him. They were with Him, touched Him, ate with Him. They knew Him in a way we cannot.
True or false? Answer: yes and no. No, we cannot know Jesus as they did. Yes, we can know Jesus through the Eucharist. This is a special way of knowing Jesus. And we know Him through the ‘word’ in the way we understand the ‘word’. The word we know gives life. Teaches us about Jesus. Gives us eternal life. Do you know Jesus?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen