Peter and John were arrested, jailed, threatened, and told to shut up about God's word (Acts 4:3ff). They refused to stop (Acts 4:19-20). The apostles were then arrested, jailed, threatened, told again to shut up about God's word, and whipped (Acts 5:17ff). However, "day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah" (Acts 5:42).

No outside pressure stopped the early Church from proclaiming God's word. So the devil tried an inside job. Through an administrative oversight and/or a demonic strategy, the widows of the Greek-speaking Christians were "neglected in the daily distribution of food" (Acts 6:1). The apostles were tempted to neglect the word of God and to make sure the widows of the Greek-speaking Christians would no longer be neglected. They probably were tempted to think this would only be temporary, but a temporary neglect of our God-given callings often goes on indefinitely. However, the apostles did not fall into the trap. They continued to concentrate on the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4), while appointing deacons to better administer the food.

Are you neglecting your God-given responsibilities because of sin, selfishness, or fear? Are you neglecting them because of misguided attempts to help or rescue others? Is a temporary neglect becoming permanent? Concentrate on your calling.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 2, 2012

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.