Acts 20:28-38
“We must help the weak.” (Acts 20:35)
As we continue to wind down to the end of the Easter Season, today’s reading gives us a final farewell from St. Paul. He had not only founded the church at Ephesus but lived among the believers for three years. During that time, “God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.” As a result, “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily.” (Acts 19:11,20)
Every community, every congregation, even every family has its own “weak” members. Through whatever combination of genetics, upbringing or unfortunate circumstances, it is unlikely that they will ever be able to take care of themselves adequately. These are the ones Paul singled out for special attention. He knew the fundamental precept that those who are more graced should care for those who are in need—not take advantage of them or ignore them.
Such a philosophy goes against our human nature. Those who move quickly find it irritating to slow down for those who lag behind. It can be hard for someone with a quick mind to have to explain things to someone who just doesn’t get it. Instead of putting ourselves in their shoes, we tend to imagine them in ours. When we do this, we exercise the judgment that belongs to God and we fail to extend the mercy that belongs to the strong and weak alike. The elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments but were crying tears of affection for a brother. And Paul, in turn, was concerned for the survival of “the whole flock …” and especially “the weak.” (Acts 20:28,35)
Every community, every congregation, even every family has its own “weak” members. Through whatever combination of genetics, upbringing or unfortunate circumstances, it is unlikely that they will ever be able to take care of themselves adequately. These are the ones Paul singled out for special attention. He knew the fundamental precept that those who are more graced should care for those who are in need—not take advantage of them or ignore them.
Such a philosophy goes against our human nature. Those who move quickly find it irritating to slow down for those who lag behind. It can be hard for someone with a quick mind to have to explain things to someone who just doesn’t get it. Instead of putting ourselves in their shoes, we tend to imagine them in ours. When we do this, we exercise the judgment that belongs to God and we fail to extend the mercy that belongs to the strong and weak alike. The elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments but were crying tears of affection for a brother. And Paul, in turn, was concerned for the survival of “the whole flock …” and especially “the weak.” (Acts 20:28,35)
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