Mutual Respect

Mass Readings: April 5

First:	Acts 6:1-7
Resp:	Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,18-19
Gospel:	John 6:16-21

Acts 6:5 The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, ...

This seems like an ideal arrangement.  The Apostles make a "proposal" to the people, that they accept. They, the people choose Stephen, recognizing him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then the Apostles laid hands on them, the chosen servants.

This is not a system based on the rule of the Apostles, but a working relationship between them and the people. A system based on mutual respect.  I think too often those in "authority" in the church feel the need to "dumb things down" for the people, and they don't have a real respect for what God can do through the people.  Jesus said to the disciples that they are not to lord it over the people like the gentiles do.

The question for us is can we function in a system based on mutual respect and fear of God? It is tougher than it sounds.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always have respect for your people no matter what their role is.  Help me to function as a useful part of your church and to obey an answer your call.

Amen