Reading 1
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.
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Responsorial Psalm 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.
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.
Meditation: John 6: 16-21
“It is I. Do not be afraid.” (John 6:20)
Just what were these seasoned fishermen afraid of? Surely not a storm on the lake! They had seen that before. No, John tells us that the disciples “began to be afraid” when they saw Jesus walking toward
them on the water (John 6:19). Here was something they had never seen before, and it filled them with fear. Physical healings were one thing. Even exorcisms they could handle. But seeing Jesus completely unfazed by the raw forces of nature—this was just too much. Who was this man?
It wasn’t until they heard Jesus’ voice that their fears faded. It wasn’t until his words reached them that they could look beyond the understandably unnerving image of a man walking on water and catch a glimpse of the Son of God. Up to that point, they weren’t sure that they wanted him in their boat. He was so strange, so different, and they weren’t sure that they could trust him.
But then came his voice, his word. This was Jesus, their teacher and friend! He wasn’t a ghost from the netherworld. He wasn’t an angry god bestriding the seas bringing vengeance and wrath. He was Jesus of Nazareth, and he had come to help them.
How often do I hesitate to welcome Jesus into a situation because I’m afraid of what he may do? Perhaps he’ll ask me to do something dangerous, like step onto the water with him. Perhaps he’ll overpower me just as he overpowered the storm. Or perhaps he really isn’t who I thought he was. Perhaps he’s far more dangerous. Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps.
But in the midst of our inner storms, Jesus calls out: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” His word can calm our fears. His word—his voice—can reas sure us that he has a perfect plan for our lives and that we can trust him completely.
Make it a point today to listen to Jesus. No matter what is making you worried, anxious, or fearful, quiet your mind. Let the voice of the Lord bring you peace. You’ll be amazed how quickly—and safely—you get to the other side!
“Lord, you fill the whole earth with your goodness (Psalm 33:5). Help me to trust in you. Come, Lord, into my heart and speak your words of life!”
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