Daily Readings - Sat Apr 13 2024
Acts
1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
John
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.20But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."21Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and 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 trust, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church where the apostles, faced with a growing community and the neglect of certain widows, entrusted the solution to the Holy Spirit. By selecting seven men of good character and wisdom, they ensured that the needs of all were met, allowing the apostles to focus on their primary mission of prayer and teaching. This act of delegation not only resolved the immediate issue but also fostered unity and growth within the community.
The Gospel from John presents a dramatic scene where Jesus calms the fears of His disciples during a storm. As they struggled against the waves and wind, Jesus appeared walking on the water, reassuring them with the words, "It is I. Do not be afraid." This moment of divine intervention reminds us that even in the midst of turmoil, God is ever-present and ready to guide us to safety. The disciples' fear turned to trust as they welcomed Jesus into the boat, leading them swiftly to their destination.
These readings remind us of the importance of trusting in God's providence. Just as the early Church trusted the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions, we too can trust that God will navigate us through life's challenges. In our daily struggles, whether personal or communal, we are called to have faith that God's plan will prevail. Let us embrace this trust, allowing it to lead us to peaceful shores, just as it did for the disciples. May we, like the early Christians, be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect God's will, leading to a harmonious and thriving community.