Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 17, 2021
First Reading: Acts 6.1-7
1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Psalm 33
1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.2Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.3Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.4For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.5He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.7He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.16There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Gospel: John 6.16-21
16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the providence of God. The first reading from Acts 6 describes the early Christian community addressing a practical challenge: the fair distribution of resources to widows. The apostles, recognizing their primary calling to prayer and the ministry of the Word, entrust the task to seven Spirit-filled men, chosen by the community. This solution not only resolves the immediate issue but also strengthens the unity and growth of the Church. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents a dramatic scene of Jesus walking on water to meet his disciples during a storm. Despite their initial fear, Jesus calms their anxieties with the words, “It is I. Do not be afraid,” and leads them safely to their destination.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God’s providence. In Acts, the early Christians demonstrate trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance as they select and ordain leaders to serve the community. Similarly, in the Gospel, the disciples learn to trust in Jesus’ presence and power even in the midst of turmoil. Both stories remind us that faith is not about removing challenges but about navigating them with confidence in God’s plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we respond to challenges. Do we, like the early Christians, trust in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the strength of our community? Or do we, like the disciples, allow fear to dominate our hearts? Jesus’ words, “It is I. Do not be afraid,” are a timeless assurance for us today. Whatever storms we face—whether personal struggles, relational conflicts, or uncertainties about the future—we are called to place our trust in God’s loving care. Let us strive to live with the same faith and courage as the early Church, knowing that God’s providence will guide us through even the darkest of times.