A Special Place in God's Plan

In today's readings, we have a wonderful insight into the formation of the early Church. Greek-speaking Jews are concerned that their widows are not being cared for in a just manner, and the apostles decide to appoint a group of virtuous men whose mission it will be to care for them, upon whom the apostles then lay their hands and create the first diaconate. This frees the apostles to focus on prayer and evangelization, and thus the Church continues to grow and thrive in greater numbers.

We see this same division of labor in our present-day Church: our priests, our deacons, our religious, our missionaries, the many missions shared within the laity, each one of us precious to God and to His Church. As we pray and meditate, the Holy Spirit inspires us to respond to our unique callings and endows us with the spiritual gifts necessary for our own salvation, the  support of the Church, and the glory of God.  

Jesus promises us in the Gospel that He goes to prepare a place for us, a place to be with Him forever, a unique place just for us. Even as Jesus assures Thomas that His own works are in union with His Father, we too, through His Holy Spirit, can find peace and joy in our part in His divine plan. And like Jesus, we will do even greater ones than these, because we too are going to the Father.

"Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame” (1Pet 2:6). Jesus, I trust in You.

–Laura Tattoo
Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.