The New Israel's Commission - Fr. Gregory - May 16, 2021

Today on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, the Epistle reading comes to us from Acts 6:1-7. Therein, Saint Luke speaks to us about the transition from the leadership of the Old Israel to the leadership of the New Israel, where Jesus is King. In the Epistle, we are told that the disciples were increasing in number but the Hellenists were murmuring against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The Apostles summoned the body of the disciples in order to select from among them seven men, full of the Holy Spirit, whom they could appoint to minister to the widows needs. Father Gregory gives us an in-depth explanation about the Hellenists and their widows. He also reminds us that, although ministering to the poor and destitute was an integral part of both the Jewish and early Church’s tradition, the priority for the Apostles was to pray and preach the Word of God. Our mission as The Church is the same as the Apostles, to increase in numbers, pray, preach the Word and to go to all nations Baptizing and teaching them all that our Lord commanded.