Second Week of Easter
13th April 2024 (Saturday)
Psalter: Week 2
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R/. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord. Or Alleluia
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. Christ is risen, who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : John 6:16-21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Saturday – Second Week of Easter
Guidelines: Even the best of the people, good and holy will face the same human problems. Faith makes no exemption from afflictions. It is how we face and respond that is important
1. The sail of the lifeboat will not always be smooth and safe. The waters become rough at times and strong winds will hit the boat. The movement looks weary and burdensome. In such moments of fear and anxiety, we may not even recognise the presence of the Lord. It is in such moments, that Jesus comes to us and assures us, “It is I; do not be afraid”.
2. The apostles in the first reading experience one kind of this rough weather. It was in the form of misunderstanding and dissension in the believing community. The Hellenists felt discriminated against and neglected by the Hebrews in their daily distribution.
3. It is here they experience the wisdom of the Spirit. They make the right discernment concerning their priorities. They realise clearly that ministry of prayer and preaching the Word is more important than serving at the tables. They realise that their primary duty is to bear witness to the Lord while serving can be done by others as well.
4. Subsequently, seven deacons are chosen and appointed for the ministry of serving. This too is not an arbitrary choice. They were men of repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. This also shows that every ministry in the church is important and needs some spiritual gifts.
5. The whole episode also shows the spirit of collegiality of the apostles. They do not want to have total control. They do not want to dominate the whole show. They are ready to share and distribute their power to others. They are ready to detach themselves from their power and authority.
Practice: Problems are bound to come on our mission. They can be of different kinds. But what will be our response and approach? Do we get frightened or discouraged or agitated? Do we get into arguments and overassertive?
