IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID…

Acts 6:1-7

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty.4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole multitude, 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.6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

John 6:16-21

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Caperna-um. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.18 The sea rose because a strong wind was blowing.
19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat. They were frightened,20 but he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.  

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: St Luke record the first clash between two different tribal communities on the matter of the disparate distribution of resources. The twelve apostles wasted no time to call a meeting and put in place an organic  structure to oversee the care and welfare of the widows and the elderly. 

Herein we notice that the Church is concerned about the bodily and spiritual well-being of the people of God, irrespective the tribal identity of the individual. The gospel does not marinade mans dignity, however it gives context and meaning to our ‘via dolorosa!’ This event inaugurated the Church’s mission to establish healing and care facilities for the marginalized, about sixteen centuries before the political state entered the fray! This delineation of social and ecclesial functions was a nessesary project to ensure that the propagation of the Good News is not hindered or derailed by negative secular social conditions. 

St JOHN RECORD the twelve apostles first sojourn across the troubled waters, without their regular trusted skipper Christ Jesus—or at least, so it appeared! These men, some who were experienced fishermen, had to rely on their reading the prevailing weather conditions, the stars and maps, to make it safely to their destination. 

From it’s very beginnings the Church founded upon Christ encountered many obstacles—treacherous conditions—both from the inside and the outside. By grace and divine inspiration She has been able to time and again navigate her way through breathtaking conditions, whilst she unrelentingly filled her nets with thousands upon thousands of believers. Christs promise that He will not leave us, is more and more apparent as we marvel at the past, unafraid to face the future and rejoice in Him; calling upon Him to draw near and deliver us from our troubles, hunger and pain! Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Holy Sacraments are the instruments that shall direct our path to the other side!

LET US PRAY:Psalms 33:1-2,4-5,18-19
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.