Sermon Tone Analysis

Title

Solving a Problem

Outline

Problem solving techniques abound in leadership literature

There are ways for leaders to solve problems

There are ways to present problems and potential solutions to leaders

In our texts God gives us some of his solutions

Some problems arise and can be solved by humble trust in others

Due to linguistic and cultural differences the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked

Perhaps they were not able to communicate their need

Perhaps they kept to themselves and so were just overlooked

For whatever reasons, the issue came to the awareness of the Twelve

They did not deny it or blame others

They did not simply add it to their “to do” list, for they knew what God had called them to and they realized that adding would result in their neglecting God’s call and probably not result in solving the issue.

There is a type of false humility that might insist on “serving tables,” but even the Rule of St Benedict sees through that.

Instead they created a new office under a new leadership selected from spiritually mature leaders of the aggrieved group and had those men care for the “Hebrew” widows as well as their own.

Notice the qualifications: “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”

And, while retaining their own leadership responsibility, they gave these seven full authority.

In other words, the Twelve used the wisdom God had given them, their own Spiritual sense of the priorities of their own call, and had the humility to delegate properly while not compromising spiritual graces for political influence in those they chose.

Some problems need to be endured in trust so that God’s purposes can be realized

Taking a sea journey at night without Jesus was not that surprising: Jesus was known for spending the night in prayer and fishermen appear to have often fished at night.

But while doing the relatively normal, there was opposition, strong waves against them because of the strong headwind.

Sometimes that is out lives: doing the right thing and everything seems to be against us.

Then in the darkness they have a new revelation of Jesus, in this one he was walking towards them on the sea.

Their reaction was fear - sometimes we react with fear when God intervenes in our lives - and it takes Jesus’ “It is I; do not be afraid,” to calm them down.

Then they seem to want to “normalize” things by getting Jesus into the boat - they would feel secure and they would not need to deal with Jesus walking on water.

But instead the boat is immediately at the port or beach to which they were headed.

The problem, the “dark night” is solved, but I am sure that they were puzzled.

Why did God allow this unpleasant situation?

Presumably because he wanted to reveal to them more about Jesus.

Jesus can heal; Jesus can multiply bread and fish, but now he is Lord of the powers of darkness and of space and time.

And in the next pericope they will hear that it is not about taking Jesus into their boat to solve their problem and give them security, but it is about taking Jesus, body and blood, into their very selves so as to become one with him.

Problems, sisters, are God’s tools to move us forward

They are never very pleasant

But God chooses to us them to get us to take a step forward in our spiritual gifting and in virtue for the honor of his kingdom.

Or God chooses to us an attack of the power of darkness to reveal himself more deeply to our hearts.

Where, perhaps, might you see yourself or yourselves in these pictures?

Readings

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.

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.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 | EASTER

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

YEARS 1 & 2 | ROMAN MISSAL | LECTIONARY

On the same date: Saint Pius V, Pope, Religious

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 for either the season or Pope Pius V