Dear Brother and Sister in Christ,
Welcome to Catholic Mass Readings and Catholic Reflections Daily in Biblemsg.com.
We are on the April 22, 2023 in the 2nd Week of Easter. Today’s Mass readings Acts 6:1-7; John 6:16-21. Gospel Theme of the day is Jesus walks on water.
Table of Contents
Readings of the Day
First Reading
Acts 6:1-7
1 At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 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. 3 Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, 4 whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 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. 6 They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. 7 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 Psalm
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Response: (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or: Alleluia.
Gospel
John 6:16-21
16 When it was evening, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 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. 20 But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” 21 They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
Powerful Catholic Reflections Daily
1. How clear were the Apostles in their priorities! They understood that prayer and ministry of the Word took precedence over serving at the table. While serving at the table is an important expression of community and sharing, it should not overshadow the importance of God’s word.
2. Sadly, this clarity of priorities seems to be lacking in today’s Church. Both lay faithful and consecrated ministers often struggle with confusion and distorted concerns and priorities.
3. As a result, secular interests, worldly preoccupations, and administrative concerns often take precedence over spiritual matters and nurturing faith communities.
4. This leads to an excessive focus on organizing activities, financial transactions, and material tasks, rather than on building and renewing the interior spirit, faith, and family relationships.
5. We must learn from the wisdom of the Apostles, who recognized that neglecting the word of God and prayer in order to serve at the table is not right.
6. This also calls for a synodal church, where authority is not monopolized but shared and delegated. Just as the Apostles appointed deacons to serve at the table, they were not afraid to decentralize and delegate authority.
7. It is important to note that while serving at the table may be secondary to the Ministry of the Word, it is still of great value and a spiritual ministry. It requires individuals of faith, spirit, and wisdom.
8. This highlights that every ministry in the Church is spiritual and valuable, and there should be no strict division between material and spiritual. All ministries are sacred and should be treated with mutual respect and collaboration.
9. As we journey towards a synodal Church, we should be prepared to face challenges and storms, such as misunderstandings and conflicts, as seen in the first reading with the Hellenistic and Jewish Christians.
10. There may also be moments of fear and uncertainty, symbolized by the strong winds in the gospel. However, we can take comfort in the reassuring voice of the Lord saying, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
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