Daily Readings - Sat Apr 22 2023

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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, service, and trust in God. The first reading from Acts 6:1-7 presents a moment of crisis in the early Christian community. The Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution, leading to discontent. The apostles, recognizing the need for balance between spiritual and practical responsibilities, appointed seven men to oversee the care of the widows. This solution not only resolved the issue but also led to the expansion of the church, as even many priests began to follow the faith. This story highlights the importance of addressing practical needs with wisdom and faith, ensuring that all members of the community are valued and cared for. The Gospel reading from John 6:16-21 shifts our focus to a dramatic scene of Jesus walking on water. The disciples, caught in a storm, were filled with fear when they saw Jesus approaching the boat. Yet, Jesus reassured them with the words, "It is I. Do not be afraid," and immediately the boat reached its destination. This miracle underscores Jesus' power over nature and his role as a source of comfort and rescue in times of turmoil. It invites us to trust in God's presence and providence, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. Both readings remind us of the importance of faith and trust in our daily lives. Just as the early Christian community addressed their practical needs while remaining focused on their spiritual mission, we too can face our challenges with faith and wisdom. Like the disciples in the storm, we may encounter difficulties that fill us with fear, but Jesus' words, "It is I. Do not be afraid," offer us comfort and reassurance. Let us strive to trust in God's plan, serve one another with love and compassion, and find peace in the midst of life's storms.