Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Lectionary: 272
Lectionary: 272
As the number of disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word."
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the Apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word."
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the Apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R.(22) Lord,
let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Christ is risen, who made all things;
he has shown mercy on all people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ is risen, who made all things;
he has shown mercy on all people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea,
embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.
It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up 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 began to be afraid.
But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."
They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.
embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.
It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up 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 began to be afraid.
But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."
They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.
Meditation:
Jesus said: "It is I - do not be afraid"
Does
the Lord Jesus ever seem distant to you? When John recounted the scene of the
apostles being alone at sea in a storm he described the situation as
"dark" (John 6:17). It was dark not only physically but spiritually
as well. Although they were experienced fishermen, they were fearful for their
lives. The Lord's sudden presence - and his supernatural ability to walk
towards them on top of the rough waves of the sea - only made them more
fearful! John says they were frightened. And Jesus had to calm them with a
reassuring command: "Do not be afraid because I am here with you!"
The
Lord Jesus is a very present help in trouble
Aren't we like the apostles when we experience moments of darkness, fear, and trials? While the Lord may at times seem absent or very distant to us, he, nonetheless, is always present and close-by. The Scriptures remind us that the Lord is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Whatever storms may beset us, he promises to "bring us to our desired haven" and place of calm rest and safety (Psalm 107:29-30). The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help?
Aren't we like the apostles when we experience moments of darkness, fear, and trials? While the Lord may at times seem absent or very distant to us, he, nonetheless, is always present and close-by. The Scriptures remind us that the Lord is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Whatever storms may beset us, he promises to "bring us to our desired haven" and place of calm rest and safety (Psalm 107:29-30). The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help?
Jesus
assures us that we have no need of fear if we put our trust in him and in his
great love and care for us. When calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm
you, how do you respond? With faith and hope in God's love, personal care, and
presence with you?
"Lord
Jesus, may I never doubt your saving help and your watchful presence in my
life, especially in times of trouble. Fortify my faith with courage and give me
enduring hope that I may never waver in my trust in you."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Christ our physician, by Augustine
of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"God
sent the human race a physician, a savior, One Who healed without charging a
fee. Christ also came to reward those who would be healed by Him. Christ heals
the sick, and He makes a gift to those whom He heals. And the gift that He
makes is Himself!" (excerpt from Sermon 102,2)
SATURDAY, MAY 4, JOHN 6:16-21
Easter Weekday
(Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33)
KEY VERSE: "It is I. Do not be afraid" (v.20).
TO KNOW: After the miraculous multiplication of loaves in the wilderness, Jesus' disciples sailed to the village of Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberius, named for the second Roman Emperor). It was Passover time, the time of the full moon (Jn 6:4), and Jesus was up on the hillside praying. When a sudden storm came up threatening to capsize the small craft of his terrified disciples, Jesus appeared walking on the water toward them, calming them with his divine presence, and bringing them safely to shore. Just as the spirit of God hovered over the waters at the beginning of creation, so Jesus hovers over them now. Whether in hunger or distress, Jesus continues to be with his people to deliver them from all evil.
TO LOVE: How can I be a source of peace to someone who is fearful?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, help me to know that you are with me in all the storms of my life.
Saturday 4 May 2019
Acts 6:1-7. Psalm 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 18-19. John 6:16-21.
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you –
Psalm 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 18-19.
‘They saw Jesus walking on the sea.’
Picture the scene on the sea of Tiberias. It was dark. The wind
had blown up and the waves were rocking the boat. They begin to row, confident
in their own skills to guide the boat to shore. Everything is under control.
They have done this before.
Suddenly their calm assurance is shattered as they catch sight
of Jesus walking on the waves. They are terrified. ‘Don’t be afraid. It’s me!’
Jesus said. (Don’t you love the intimacy of these words?) Jesus’ words quell
the storm that his mastery over the forces of the wind and sea has caused within
them. They attempt to get him on board to row him to shore, but, almost at
once, they have arrived with no further effort on their part. They are safe.
Lord, make us aware of our dependence on you to overcome the
difficulties and problems of our daily lives.
Blessed Michael Giedroyc
Saint of the Day for May 4
(c. 1425 – May 4, 1485)
 |
| Blessed Michael Giedroyc | Unknown |
Blessed Michael Giedroyc’s Story
A life of physical pain and mental torment didn’t prevent
Michael Giedroyc from achieving holiness.
Born near Vilnius, Lithuania, Michael suffered from physical and
permanent handicaps from birth. He was a dwarf who had the use of only one
foot. Because of his delicate physical condition, his formal education was
frequently interrupted. But over time, Michael showed special skills at
metalwork. Working with bronze and silver, he created sacred vessels, including
chalices.
He traveled to Kraków, Poland, where he joined the Augustinians.
He received permission to live the life of a hermit in a cell adjoining the
monastery. There Michael spent his days in prayer, fasted and abstained from
all meat and lived to an old age. Though he knew the meaning of suffering
throughout his years, his rich spiritual life brought him consolation. Michael’s
long life ended in 1485 in Kraków.
Five hundred years later, Pope John Paul II visited the city and spoke to the
faculty of the Pontifical Academy of Theology. The 15th century in Kraków, the
pope said, was “the century of saints.” Among those he cited was Blessed
Michael Giedroyc.
Reflection
Many people today face a life of suffering and discrimination
due to physical handicaps. Let’s ask Blessed Michael Giedroyc to pray for them
that their situation might be addressed by society at large.
Lectio Divina: John 6:16-21
Lectio Divina
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Easter Time
1) Opening prayer
Lord God,
also in our day we need men and women
filled with the Spirit of love and service
who are attentive to the needs of people.
Let them listen even to the unspoken cries
of people too timid to voice
their poverty and distress
and help without condescension
their brothers and sisters of Christ,
for He is our Lord for ever. Amen.
also in our day we need men and women
filled with the Spirit of love and service
who are attentive to the needs of people.
Let them listen even to the unspoken cries
of people too timid to voice
their poverty and distress
and help without condescension
their brothers and sisters of Christ,
for He is our Lord for ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the
sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already
grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up 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 began to be
afraid. But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." They wanted
to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to
which they were heading.
3) Reflection
• Today’s Gospel narrates the episode of the boat on the
agitated sea. Jesus is on the mountain, the disciples in the sea, and
the people on the land. By his way of describing the facts, John
tries to help the communities discover the mystery which envelops the person of
Jesus. He does it by recalling texts from the Old Testament which refer to the
Exodus.
• At the time when John wrote, the small boat of the communities
had to face a contrary wind both on the part of the converted Jews who wanted
to reduce the mystery of Jesus to prophecies and figures of the Old Testament,
and on the part of some converted Gentiles who thought that it was possible to
have an alliance between Jesus and the Empire.
• John 6:15: Jesus on the mountain. Having seen the
multiplication of the loaves, the people conclude that Jesus is the awaited
Messiah, because according to the hope of the people of the time, the Messiah
would have repeated the gesture of Moses: feeding the people in the desert. For
this reason, according to the official ideology, the crowds thought that Jesus
was the Messiah, and, because of this, they wanted to make Him king (cf. Jn
6:14-15). This request of the people was a temptation for Jesus as well as for
the disciples. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus obliges the disciples to get into the
boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake (Mk 6:45). He wanted to prevent
them from getting contaminated with this ideology. This is a sign that the
“yeast of Herod and of the Pharisees” was very strong (Mk 8:15). Jesus faces
the temptation with prayer on the mountain.
• John 6:16-18: The situation of the disciples. It was
already night. The disciples went down near the sea; they got into the boat and
headed toward Capernaum, on the other side of the sea. John says that it was
already dark and that Jesus had not arrived as yet. On the one hand he recalls
the Exodus: to cross the sea in the midst of difficulties. On the other, he
recalls the situation of the communities in the Roman Empire: with the
disciples, they were living in the dark, with a contrary wind, and the
sea was agitated, and Jesus seemed to be absent!
• John 6:19-20. Change of the situation. Jesus
approaches them walking on the water of the sea of life. The disciples are
afraid. As happens in the story of Emmaus, they did not recognize Him (Lk
24:28). Jesus gets close to them and says, “It is I! Do not be afraid!” For
those who know the story of the Old Testament, here again John recalls some
very important facts: (a) He recalls the crowd, protected by God, crossing the
Red Sea without fear. (b) He recalls that God, when calling Moses, declares His
name, saying, “I am!” (Ex 3:15). (c) He recalls also the Book of
Isaiah which presents the return from exile as a new Exodus, in which God
repeats many times, “I am!” (cf. Is 42:8; 43:5, 11-13; 44:6, 25; 45:5-7).
• For the People of the Bible, the sea was the symbol of the
abyss, of chaos, of evil (Rev 13:1). In Exodus the people go across toward
liberty, facing and conquering the sea. God divides the sea with His breath and
the crowds cross the sea, which is dry land. (Ex 14:22). In other passages the
Bible shows God who conquers the sea (Gen 1:6-10; Ps 104:6-9; Prov 8:27). The
sea was an immense part of nature, more powerful than man, and at any time or
turbulence could swallow up those on it. To conquer the sea means to have
control over even the most powerful nature on earth. In this passage Jesus
reveals His divinity by dominating and conquering the sea, preventing the boat
and His disciples from being carried away by the waves. This way of evoking or
recalling the Old Testament, of using the Bible, helped the communities to
recognize the presence of God in Jesus and in the facts of life. “Do
not be afraid”!
• John 6:22. They reached the desired port. They want
to take Jesus into the boat, but it was not necessary, because the boat touched
the shore where they were headed. They reached the desired port. The psalm
says, “He reduced the storm to calm, and all the waters subsided. He
brought them overjoyed at the stillness, to the port where they were bound.”
(Ps 107:29-30).
4) Personal questions
• On the mountain: Why does Jesus seek to be alone to pray after
the multiplication of the loaves? What is the result of His prayer?
• How is life like the sea? Does it scare us?
• Is it possible today to walk on the water of the sea of life? How?
• How is life like the sea? Does it scare us?
• Is it possible today to walk on the water of the sea of life? How?
5) Concluding Prayer
Shout for joy, you upright;
praise befits the honest.
Give thanks to Yahweh on the lyre,
play for Him on the ten-stringed lyre. (Ps 33:1-2)
praise befits the honest.
Give thanks to Yahweh on the lyre,
play for Him on the ten-stringed lyre. (Ps 33:1-2)
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