Anything But Not Everything

A Reflection on the First Reading for May 7th, 2023:
Fifth Sunday of Easter

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Acts
6.1-7

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.  And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.“ What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert of Antioch.  They had these men stand before the Apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

A friend once told me that another friend referred to me as their Filipino Swiss Army knife. 

I need new friends. 

What I came to find out later is that it was meant as a compliment. It alluded to the fact that they can put me in any situation and I almost always have the right ability and attitude to accomplish the required tasks or actions. While I don’t necessarily like being compared to a tool, I can appreciate the image. I have always loved learning, then putting my learning into practice. Creating a toolbox of my learnings has served me well in school, work, and life. As a result, at different points in my life I have been given much responsibility. So much so that I often placed high expectations – possibly too high – on myself. If I was asked to do everything, then I would do everything. And if I didn’t or couldn’t, I counted that as a knock against my worth. If I couldn’t handle everything, then I saw myself as less than others. 

Then I came across this phrase: You can do anything. But you can’t do everything. 

I don’t remember where I heard it, but I do remember how profound and truthful I found it when I first heard it. This sentiment came to me as I reflected on this passage from the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostles hear the concerns of the community, acknowledge their own abilities, and in turn ask for help. They didn’t immediately re-schedule themselves so that they could do more or become paralyzed by the overwhelming situation. Rather they looked to the community, and with care and discernment, they shared the work so that the Good News continued to spread. 

Like the Disciples, I have learned to own, use, and grow the gifts God gave me. I can do anything. But I can’t do everything – nor should I. In believing (wrongly) that I have to do everything, I turn a blind eye to what I cannot do and make attempts to “fake it until I make it.” This is exhausting. My weaknesses rob power and potential from my strengths. God made me for a particular purpose, but I can ask for help to fulfill that purpose. Ultimately, my purpose is to be part of the shared mission with all of Christ’s disciples.  When I try to do it all, I discount the important fact that God has gifted others just as generously as He has gifted me. God’s generosity is abundant to all, so that each of us can fulfill our unique role in our shared mission. When we truly know this, our response must be to build each other up, call each other forward, and witness this abundance of gifts in all God’s people. God asks great things of us. His gifts allow us to do anything, but only together can we do everything that He calls us to do.




Aurea Sadi

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