Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 22, 2023
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 narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, service, and trust in God. The first reading from Acts 6:1-7 presents a moment of crisis in the early Christian community. The Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution, leading to discontent. The apostles, recognizing the need for balance between spiritual and practical responsibilities, appointed seven men to oversee the care of the widows. This solution not only resolved the issue but also led to the expansion of the church, as even many priests began to follow the faith. This story highlights the importance of addressing practical needs with wisdom and faith, ensuring that all members of the community are valued and cared for.
The Gospel reading from John 6:16-21 shifts our focus to a dramatic scene of Jesus walking on water. The disciples, caught in a storm, were filled with fear when they saw Jesus approaching the boat. Yet, Jesus reassured them with the words, "It is I. Do not be afraid," and immediately the boat reached its destination. This miracle underscores Jesus' power over nature and his role as a source of comfort and rescue in times of turmoil. It invites us to trust in God's presence and providence, even when we face challenges and uncertainties.
Both readings remind us of the importance of faith and trust in our daily lives. Just as the early Christian community addressed their practical needs while remaining focused on their spiritual mission, we too can face our challenges with faith and wisdom. Like the disciples in the storm, we may encounter difficulties that fill us with fear, but Jesus' words, "It is I. Do not be afraid," offer us comfort and reassurance. Let us strive to trust in God's plan, serve one another with love and compassion, and find peace in the midst of life's storms.