Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Sometimes we find it hard to step out of our comfort zone. We are happy with the little life we have created for ourselves and we become aggravated and sometimes angry when that little life is disturbed.
 
In our reading from the Acts of the Apostles today the early church community is confronted with a problem, an aggravation perhaps even a little prejudice. Some of the windows are not being taken care of, they happen to be Greek/Hellenist widows, the new commers. The apostles are aggravated because this takes them always from their important ministry of preaching, teaching and leadership of prayer. Perhaps some in the community are aggravated because it is the new commers who are complaining. Their comfort zone has been violated.
 
The community must confront the problem, the issue. They gather and look at the situation and come up with a solution. They create a new ministry. A new ministry that will free the apostles to continue their leadership of prayer, preaching, teaching and help the community meet the needs of all. They create the ministry of deaconate, a ministry of service and care for the community.  
 
The Gospel provides an important insight to accompany the activity of Acts.  It's not a post-Easter Gospel, but it speaks to a post-Easter reality.  The disciples, frightened, face the uncertainty of darkness.  Winds swirl and waves rise as this group looks to proceed without the physical presence of Jesus. They face a challenge to their comfort zone. But Jesus reminds them of his presence and the need not to fear change.  “It is I, do not be afraid." 
 
It may seem at times like Jesus is not with us, but he is! When our comfort zone is challenged by the struggles and fears of our world we need only to trust in the presence of the Risen Lord!
 
Have a great Saturday everyone.