Daily Readings - Sat May 04 2019

¹In those days, as the number of disciples was increasing, there occurred a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were treated with disdain in the daily ministration²And so the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: "It is not fair for us to leave behind the Word of God to serve at tables also³Therefore, brothers, search among yourselves for seven men of good testimony, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work⁴Yet truly, we will be continually in prayer and in the ministry of the Word.⁵And the plan pleased the entire multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a new arrival from Antioch⁶These they set before the sight of the Apostles, and while praying, they imposed hands on them⁷And the Word of the Lord was increasing, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly. And even a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith

John

Chapter 6

¹⁶Then, when evening arrived, his disciples descended to the sea¹⁷And when they had climbed into a boat, they went across the sea to Capernaum. And darkness had now arrived, and Jesus had not returned to them¹⁸Then the sea was stirred up by a great wind that was blowing¹⁹And so, when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat, and they were afraid²⁰But he said to them: "It is I. Do not be afraid.²¹Therefore, they were willing to receive him into the boat. But immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 6:1-7 illustrates the early Christian community addressing a practical challenge. The Greek widows were being overlooked in the distribution of resources, prompting the Apostles to seek a solution. Recognizing their primary role as preachers of the Word, they entrusted the community to choose seven spirit-filled men, who became the first deacons. This decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, ensured that all members were cared for, allowing the Apostles to focus on their ministry. This passage highlights the importance of organized leadership and the Holy Spirit's role in maintaining harmony and service within the community. The Gospel reading from John 6:16-21 presents a dramatic scene where Jesus walks on water to join His disciples during a storm. This miracle not only showcases Jesus's divine power but also His comforting presence in times of turmoil. The disciples, facing the fury of the sea, find immediate peace upon Jesus's arrival, as the boat reaches its destination. This narrative emphasizes faith and trust in God's providence, especially when we face life's challenges. These readings connect through the theme of divine guidance and trust. In Acts, the Holy Spirit directs the community to resolve a social issue through the appointment of deacons. In John, Jesus's presence brings calm to His disciples, reminding us of His ever-present help. Both stories encourage us to trust in God's plan and to serve others selflessly. In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in our decisions and by being instruments of peace and service to those around us. Let us reflect on how we can trust in God's providence and serve others with love, just as the early church and Jesus have shown us.