Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 4, 2019
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 profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 6:1-7 illustrates the early Christian community addressing a practical challenge. The Greek widows were being overlooked in the distribution of resources, prompting the Apostles to seek a solution. Recognizing their primary role as preachers of the Word, they entrusted the community to choose seven spirit-filled men, who became the first deacons. This decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, ensured that all members were cared for, allowing the Apostles to focus on their ministry. This passage highlights the importance of organized leadership and the Holy Spirit's role in maintaining harmony and service within the community.
The Gospel reading from John 6:16-21 presents a dramatic scene where Jesus walks on water to join His disciples during a storm. This miracle not only showcases Jesus's divine power but also His comforting presence in times of turmoil. The disciples, facing the fury of the sea, find immediate peace upon Jesus's arrival, as the boat reaches its destination. This narrative emphasizes faith and trust in God's providence, especially when we face life's challenges.
These readings connect through the theme of divine guidance and trust. In Acts, the Holy Spirit directs the community to resolve a social issue through the appointment of deacons. In John, Jesus's presence brings calm to His disciples, reminding us of His ever-present help. Both stories encourage us to trust in God's plan and to serve others selflessly. In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in our decisions and by being instruments of peace and service to those around us. Let us reflect on how we can trust in God's providence and serve others with love, just as the early church and Jesus have shown us.