The first reading for the fifth Sunday of Easter gives us a great example of what it means for us to be a synodal Church. Hellenist Christians spoke Greek as their first language, unlike Hebrews. They brought with them a different background to the early Christian community. They had another mentality, a different culture, and other approaches to the religious traditions of Israel. They brough a new sensitivity. Rather than being rejected as strangers, they were listened. The apostles brought together the community of the disciples and listened to the Holy Spirit, who guided their decision to appoint the first deacons. Diversity seems to make a mess at first, but then the Holy Spirit creates a beautiful harmony out of our differences, demonstrating what a great gift new people are in our lives and communities. Now we are heirs of that tradition. The resources of the community are to be shared by everyone. And we are all responsible for this — not only the clergy and religious — but every one of us — both those who volunteer their services in the parish and elsewhere. We are the Church! So, let not our hearts be troubled! The risen Lord is among and within us. The Holy Spirit guides us. Let us enter more deeply into God’s presence as we pray together today and every day. | 
