Daily Readings - Sat Apr 17 2021

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.

John

Chapter 6

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.