Saturday of the Second Week of Easter Year 1 2023

Title

Obedience and Grace

Outline

Two fascinating readings today

Together they point out the wisdom of following God’s instructions - it is there that we experience his blessing.

Now I could give you recent experiences in my own life and reading, but I will basically stick with the texts.

In John we see Jesus coming to us when we are following instructions

Evening had come, Jesus had not arrive, but the disciples followed his instructions and rowed across the lake to the village he had made his base.

Even though they were obeying Jesus there were struggles - the wind and the waves were against them. Nothing is said about their feelings.

Then they experience Jesus walking on the water towards them - they were afraid, typical in experiences of the numinous or divine, but he said, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

However, as soon as either they have taken him into the boat or as he comes to the edge of the boat (translations differ), the boat reaches its destination.

Obedience led to difficulties in which Jesus shows up and his presence resolves the problems.

In Acts we have obedience but not a theophany

There is a problem in that the Greek-speaking widows were not being cared for fairly by the Aramaic-speaking leaders, perhaps based on cultural or communication issues.

The Twelve knew it needed a hands-on solution, but they also knew their calling: “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. . . . we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Notice that the issue is distraction from calling, spiritual leadership, not pride (which has been known to infect religious communities).

Their solution was to select men that the aggrieved community knew to be of good-reputation and Spirit-filled (especially wisdom) to administer the distribution for both communities - and all of them were from the aggrieved community, for all have Greek names.

This wise release of power and authority to those the aggrieved community knew to be capable so as to focus on their own divine calling from which the administrative service would have been a distraction releases growth in the church.

What do we learn from this?

First, follow God’s calling and directives. Do not try to second-guess him or compromise, not even when problems come up. Rather either keep on keeping on or ask him for a way to solve the problem.

Second, do not hold onto your own wisdom, power, or authority. This brings Christian leaders to fall. Rather, release authority to others when something gets in the way of your call. In Acts it is other leaders, men of the aggrieved group, men one could easily be afraid of.

Third, expect problems, but as you keep on facing them in obedience to God, also expect God’s presence. Problems and crises are the place to experience God’s presence and grace much more than when all is going well.

Readings

Catholic Daily Readings 4-22-2023: Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

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.

Catholic Daily Readings 4-22-2023: Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

RESPONSE

Psalm 33:22

22 May your mercy, LORD, be upon us;

as we put our hope in you.

PSALM

Psalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19

1 Rejoice, you righteous, in the LORD;

praise from the upright is fitting.

2 Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise.

4 For the LORD’s word is upright;

all his works are trustworthy.

5 He loves justice and right.

The earth is full of the mercy of the LORD.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him,

upon those who count on his mercy,

19 To deliver their soul from death,

and to keep them alive through famine.

Catholic Daily Readings 4-22-2023: Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Text

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.

Notes

Catholic Daily Readings 4-22-2023: Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023 | EASTER

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

YEARS 1 & 2 | ROMAN MISSAL | LECTIONARY

First Reading Acts 6:1–7

Response Psalm 33:22

Psalm Psalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19

Gospel Acclamation Text

Gospel John 6:16–21

White