SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE - 2024

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Christ has risen, he who created all things,
and has granted his mercy to men.

ACTS 6:1-7 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

The Church is a living organism and has been so from the instant it was conceived if it were not - if it were not infused by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit it would not grow and evolve constantly and would have long since perished. We can see how from the very beginning the Church had to adapt to the needs of its members so no one was neglected.

The Apostles were unable to do everything themselves as the number of believers kept growing and although the Church is of God it is filled with members who are human beings and hence prone to sin. Despite her best efforts, and their desire to serve all equally and generously, there will never be enough ministers to meet the needs of all the faithful because of the sheer numbers. 

As the complaints increased the Apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called the disciples and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’ Above are indicated the qualities necessary for all who are called to serve You in the Church, Your Body. The hierarchy in the Church is necessary for the orderly functioning of its members. 

Seven men were chosen from among them. They elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. To this day, the Bishops lay their hands on those who are called by You to serve as priests, this will continue until You return in glory. Without priests, there would be no Holy Eucharist without the Holy Eucharist, the world would perish. Thank You, Lord, for ensuring that the Church is alive and flourishing and she will continue to flourish and grow until there is but one flock and one Shepherd. 

PSALM 32(33):1-2,4-5,18-19 ©

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just;
for praise is fitting for loyal hearts.
Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp,
with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs.

For the word of the Lord is faithful
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right
and fills the earth with his love.

The Lord looks on those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

JOHN 6:16-21 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

You sent Your disciples alone in the boat after the euphoria of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish feeding 5000 people. There is always a danger of basking in the adulation of the crowds and forgetting the mission so You sent them away by themselves while You sought time alone in prayer with Your Father.  The boat also represents the Church which is always navigating the sinful culture of the world that threatens to overwhelm her. It is dark and the disciples find the wind getting increasingly strong and the waves rough. They are rowing hard to reach the shore, they are exhausted and afraid when they see You walking on the lake and approaching the boat. Their fear increases until they hear Your familiar voice reassuring them saying, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ They wanted to take You into the boat with them but found themselves instantly on the shore at the place where they were to be. 

Oftentimes, Beloved, not just in the life of the Church but in our own lives we experience the fear of being alone and abandoned by You. We find ourselves in rough seas and we find it hard to navigate through the temptations and pitfalls that loom over us. At moments like these let us always remember that You are always near. You will keep us safe and You will ensure that we will arrive at the place that we are destined for from all eternity.