I don't think St. Peter's comment has to be seen in such a negative light. He and the other Apostles had realized that the Lord wanted them to commit all of their time to prayer and preaching the Gospel, so they needed help, much as Moses did when he agreed to take on a bunch of assistants. It's that moment when a busy person realizes that if they don't delegate, they will self-destruct. And while one can be holy doing anything, not everyone can be holy being precisely an Apostle - so in that sense, waiting on tables would be the wrong thing for them to do.
I think my point is that even those chosen for practical tasks in the Church - tasks we do not always associate with contemplation or depth of soul - can in fact be just that! That the first martyr came from those who waited on tables and distributed goods and not from among the apostles. I find that beautifully singular in its meaning.
My immediate thought was how Peter’s words reflect the females who desire to be Deacons or Priests. To a one it was because they “felt called to preach.” When I would point out that the role of the Deacon is to serve and that women have many opportunities to serve, that do not involve preaching the invariable response was “I wanna preach!”
I realize St Stephen’s martyrdom is not what most are looking to experience but the role of waiting at table is also a necessary and important service
"the alacrity", a word I never heard before but this meaning "brisk and cheerful readiness." sounds to me just like what you want us to know about Stephen
I don't think St. Peter's comment has to be seen in such a negative light. He and the other Apostles had realized that the Lord wanted them to commit all of their time to prayer and preaching the Gospel, so they needed help, much as Moses did when he agreed to take on a bunch of assistants. It's that moment when a busy person realizes that if they don't delegate, they will self-destruct. And while one can be holy doing anything, not everyone can be holy being precisely an Apostle - so in that sense, waiting on tables would be the wrong thing for them to do.
I think my point is that even those chosen for practical tasks in the Church - tasks we do not always associate with contemplation or depth of soul - can in fact be just that! That the first martyr came from those who waited on tables and distributed goods and not from among the apostles. I find that beautifully singular in its meaning.
Yes, quite so, that is very true. We have many famous examples of "simple" people who surpass their "betters" in prayer, contemplation, miracles . . .
I suppose my point is that one can carve out an exceptional status for the Apostles, who have so much that is unique about them.
I agree! And I love each of them so much. I think I just took those words of St Peter a little too much to heart. 😊
My immediate thought was how Peter’s words reflect the females who desire to be Deacons or Priests. To a one it was because they “felt called to preach.” When I would point out that the role of the Deacon is to serve and that women have many opportunities to serve, that do not involve preaching the invariable response was “I wanna preach!”
I realize St Stephen’s martyrdom is not what most are looking to experience but the role of waiting at table is also a necessary and important service
"the alacrity", a word I never heard before but this meaning "brisk and cheerful readiness." sounds to me just like what you want us to know about Stephen
It’s a lovely word, isn’t it?