Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 3 May 2026
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Ac 6:1–7. 1 Pet 2:4–9. Jn 14:1–12
Service at the Table or to the Word?
When we read about the early Christian community, we often imagine it in a very ideal and romantic way: one heart, one soul, everything held in common, no one in need. It feels like a perfect beginning. But today’s first reading gently tells us that this “honeymoon” did not last forever.
Into the calm waters of the community, a stone is thrown. A problem arises. As the number of disciples increases, so does tension. A complaint emerges: the Greek-speaking widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food.
This is not just a small issue. It reveals three deeper realities. First, there is inequality in something as basic as food. Even today, many conflicts in families and communities begin around such simple, human needs. When something essential is not shared justly, unrest follows.
Second, there is a cultural and linguistic divide. Though all are Jews, some speak Hebrew, others Greek. Language becomes a subtle line of separation. Those who see themselves as “original” begin to look down on others. It is a reminder that division often grows not from great differences, but from small attitudes of superiority.
Third, there is murmuring. Why do people murmur? Because they do not know where to go with their pain. Or they are afraid to speak openly. When there is no clear space for dialogue, dissatisfaction goes underground and becomes complaint.
What is striking, however, is the response of the apostles. They do not ignore the issue. They do not delay. They listen—and they act immediately.
First, they examine themselves. They ask: Where have we gone wrong? And they recognize something important: “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve at table.”
These are not words of pride, but of clarity. They are not saying that serving at table is unimportant. They are asking: Are we faithful to what we are called to do?
This becomes a question for each of us: Have I clearly defined my priorities? Am I doing what I am truly called to do—or am I slowly losing focus?
Second, the apostles learn to share responsibility. They do not try to do everything themselves. They invite the community to choose seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and wisdom. Leadership here is not control, but trust.
Two qualities stand out: a good name among people, and a deep relationship with God. To hold only one of these is dangerous. To be close to people but far from God, or close to God but distant from people—both lead to imbalance. True service holds both together.
Third, the apostles redefine their mission: “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The word devote is important. It means to remain, to stay firm, to persevere. Not to keep shifting from one thing to another, but to stand rooted in one’s calling.
Then they pray and lay hands on those chosen. And the problem is resolved—quietly, simply, effectively.
There is a beautiful lesson here: Problems are like fresh food. If addressed immediately, they nourish growth. If delayed, they spoil and become harder to handle.
This moment could have been a crisis, even a breaking point. Instead, it becomes a moment of renewal. The Church does not collapse—it grows. As the reading concludes: the word of God spreads, and the number of disciples increases.
The second reading reminds us who we are: a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people.
Even our difficulties do not define us; they refine us.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers the deeper foundation for all this. When Thomas asks, “How can we know the way?” Jesus responds: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
The way—He guides our path.
The truth—He grounds our understanding.
The life—He sustains our growth.
In Him, our priorities become clear.
So the question “service at the table or service to the word?” is not a competition. Both are essential. But each must be done in its proper place, by the right persons, with clarity of calling.
When we live this balance, something beautiful happens: confusion gives way to peace; division gives way to communion, and service becomes life-giving.
Then, like the psalmist, we too can say: “The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A ‘Yesni Prays’ Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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