In the first reading this Sunday, again from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of the creation of the Diaconate and of the appointment of the first Deacons in the Church. Stephen and his fellow companions, in total numbering seven, are made deacons by the laying on of hands—the invocation of the Holy Spirit used in the Ordination rite of the Priesthood and the Diaconate as well as in the Sacrament of Confirmation, when the Holy Spirit comes upon and infuses the individual(s) with specific gifts of the Holy Spirit for the carrying out of God’s work in His Church through His people. What is interesting in this reading historically as well as regarding our individual faith lives is the division in the Church at that time, and our personal divisions today, but (caring for widows and orphans within the Church at that time) notice the Church’s recognition of the division and her cooperation with the Holy Spirit to bring righteousness out of division. Not something the Church or we as individually always do.

The 12 Apostles, after being called out by the Hellenists about the failure of the Church in neglecting the widows versus their seemingly overly concern with the ministry of the Word and the ministry at serving at table, recognized that there are many ministries under the guidance of the same Holy Spirit and that the gifts of the Holy Spirit while not given equitably to each but rather given fairly and fully to the needs of individuals for a specific ministry to which God calls them to (God’s purpose for them in life). The first reading notes that the Church grows in depth and breadth as her members grow too.

As we consider this reading and its application in our personal faith lives, do we recognize divisions in our relationships, do we seek to nullify those divisions and bring about a greater good? Do we beseech the Holy Spirit to enlighten us—and so cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring about a just and equitable resolution—or do we dig in deeper into our stance, seek to “double down” as the world would call it today and pick up our flag, stake our claim and hold fast-keeping the division alive?

When we are receptive to the Holy Spirit in our lives, the Spirit’s gifts—all seven of them—come to us on an as need basis, and God grants us what we need to be successful for the purpose of His Plan. Welcoming the Holy Spirit into our lives enables us through its gifts to have the Wisdom and Courage to recognize Christ as our Foundation of Faith, and permits us with Prudence and Fortitude to go forward in faith.

The second reading from 1 Peter tells us that Christ is the Living Stone of Faith upon which we are make a true foundation for our lives. The Holy Spirit, one might say, is a spiritual “mortar” inclusive of its gifts, to bind us every closer and more deeply to Christ as the true example of Christian living, that once attached to Him we shall never be separated from Him. In the end of today’s second reading we hear the quote that calls us “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own, so that you may announce the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” That “royal priesthood” is each of us who are Baptized in Christ, the common Priesthood, called to follow Him and His examples of living, so that we accomplish God’s plan for our lives and His salvation for all.

This Sunday’s Gospel of John begins with a well-known and powerful quotation of Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, you have faith in God, have faith also in me.” And it ends with the declaratory statement that if we believe in Christ—and follow Him—we will do the works that Christ does and even greater works. How can that be?

We shall do greater works if we Believe in Him, Live in Him and Share Him. John tells us that Christ is the example to which we are called to follow in-and-through the words and deeds we choose (or choose not to do) and that with the Holy Spirit welcomed into our lives and when we cooperate with the Spirit—so much righteousness shall come from us…and we shall do greater works because Christ is now in heaven with the
Father, and their Power is with us.