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Fifth Sunday of Easter — May 7, 2023

Bishop’s Reflections

May 7, 2023

Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click HERE for the readings.

Fifth Sunday of Easter — May 7, 2023

Yesterday I ordained six permanent deacons for the Diocese of Cleveland. Again, congratulations to them and their families. Providentially, the first reading for this Sunday is the reading that they selected for their ordination liturgy, Acts 6:1-7. That reading from our sacred scripture details a problem in the early church. One group of widows felt overlooked in favor of another group of widows in the distribution of the Church’s charity. This division was causing difficulty for the apostles who wanted to spend more of their effort in proclaiming the Gospel, spending time in prayer, and charting the course for the evangelization of the world. So, they chose seven wise and reputable men filled with the Holy Spirit, prayed over them, and laid their hands on their heads in the gesture of ordination for special service. These men, the first deacons, were given the task of distributing food fairly to the two groups of widows.

Yesterday’s ordination liturgy was a continuation of the ordination of deacons, who are configured to Christ the servant, first done long ago as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

We are a church that is steeped in history and tradition. It is not only the sacrament of holy orders that comes to us from the apostles as instituted by Christ. As we have always done, we take water, pour it, and say the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” We take bread, bless, break and share it with the words, “This is my body.” We anoint our sick with oil and pray for their healing, much like it is recorded in the Letter of James.

What has been handed on to us from the earliest of times in the matter and form of the sacraments is preserved to this very day. The same is true of the content of our faith, revealed by Christ, which can never be changed. For Christ said, “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. . . "

May we continue find assistance in the sacraments we celebrate and pass them on to future generations. And, in our own vocations, whether lay or ordained, single or married, let us all continue to serve the needs of others as we are called to proclaim the Gospel completely and clearly, and pray without ceasing. In doing so, may we help others fulfill their own unique vocations, just as the new deacons helped the apostles fulfill theirs.

Have a blessed week everyone.

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