Bible Diary

Daily Reading

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

LECTIONARY
272

FIRST READING

ACTS 6:1-7

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.

PSALM

PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

Response: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

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.

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.

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.

GOSPEL

Jn 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.

Daily Reflection

The first reading shows us that not everything was easy for the Early Church. They had problems that needed resolution. The apostles appoint deacons to ensure proper distribution of food. This is not only the beginning of the diaconate ministry but gives us a keen insight into the focus of the Apostles. They prioritise their energies towards prayer and preaching the word of God. When our priorities are right, things fall in place.

The Gospel narrates something very strange. John tells us that it had already grown dark and the disciples are struggling in the boat on a choppy sea. Jesus then comes to them walking on the water saying “do not be afraid”. Then we are told that they would have taken him into the boat but the boat reached the shore.

Why would they be struggling with the waves so close to the shore? This is John’s way of telling us that the disciples struggle without Jesus. When Jesus comes to them, they arrive at the shore.

Make Jesus your priority... the rest will fall in place.