The Right Person for the Right Job

Saturday Homily – Second Week of Easter (Year II)

By Fr. Williams Onyilo, CSSp

Studying commerce in the secondary school, we learned about division of labour and specialization. The idea is simple but powerful: heavy or complex tasks are shared among people according to their areas of competence, so that work is done more efficiently and effectively.

Experience shows that people have different gifts, skills, passions, and capacities. When the right person is placed in the right role, the work often flows with excellence, even without constant supervision. This is why wise societies do not arbitrarily assign careers or force individuals into paths that do not align with their abilities. Instead, they expose people to various options, observe their interests and strengths, and then nurture them accordingly. In such environments, talents mature into greatness.

Sadly, in some contexts marked by ignorance, politics, poverty, or misplaced priorities, this process is ignored. Promising individuals are sometimes pushed into the wrong roles. The result is often inefficiency, frustration, underdevelopment, and sometimes even conflict. Whenever systems begin to fail, in education, sports, commerce, agriculture, politics, security, religion, or relationships, it is worth asking whether the right people are in the right positions.

In today’s first reading, we see a similar situation in the early Christian community. Complaints arose over the unequal distribution of resources, as one group felt neglected. The Apostles responded wisely by identifying and appointing capable and Spirit-filled men to handle the task, restoring fairness and harmony in the community (Acts 6:1–7).

We also recall Joseph in Egypt, who was entrusted with managing a national crisis of famine. Because he was divinely gifted and well-prepared, he handled the situation with remarkable wisdom and success (cf. Genesis 41:33–39).

Today, we are invited to be discerning and responsible in our communities. Let us recognize areas where things are not working and ensure that the right people are placed where they can serve effectively. May the Holy Spirit guide us always to build a more just, efficient, and peaceful world. Amen.