Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 14, 2018
First Reading: Acts 6.1-7
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Psalm 33
1Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.2Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.3Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.5The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.7He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.9For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.10The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.11But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.13From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;14from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-15he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.16No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.17A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.18But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.21In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.22May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Gospel: John 6.16-21
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons about faith, trust, and the presence of God in the midst of challenges. The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community facing a practical problem: the fair distribution of resources to widows. The apostles, recognizing the need for order and justice, entrust the task to seven Spirit-filled men, including Stephen and Philip. This decision not only resolves the immediate issue but also allows the apostles to focus on their primary mission of preaching and prayer. The result is a flourishing community, with even many priests coming to faith. This passage reminds us that the Church’s growth is rooted in unity, delegation, and trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
The Gospel from John takes us to a dramatic scene on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ disciples, struggling against a fierce storm, are met with fear and uncertainty. Then, in the midst of the chaos, Jesus appears walking on the water. His words, “It is I. Do not be afraid,” bring immediate calm and assurance. The boat, once tossed by the waves, reaches its destination instantly. This miracle is not just a display of divine power but a profound invitation to trust in God’s presence, even when the storms of life seem overwhelming.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges. In Acts, the early Church faced a problem and solved it through collaboration and faith in the Spirit. In John’s Gospel, the disciples learned to trust in Jesus’ presence, even when circumstances seemed hopeless. For us, these stories remind us to approach life’s difficulties with faith and trust. Like the apostles, we must delegate and work together to build a community of love and justice. Like the disciples, we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ, knowing that he is always with us, even in the darkest moments. Let us strive to live with this kind of faith, trusting that God’s plan will guide us safely to our destination.