SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER - (Jn 6:16-21) -THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

"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. (Jn 6:20-21)

READING OF THE DAY

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

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.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to John

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.

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER - (Jn 6:16-21)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

In today's Word of God, Jesus said to His disciples when they were afraid: "It is I. Do not be afraid!"

Jesus is God. He always lives with and accompanies humans in all places and at all times. According to human history, it is said that Jesus Christ died. But with human faith in God, Jesus lives forever.

Today's Word of God says: when the disciples were encountering the winds and storms of the vast sea and the dark of the night, Jesus came and accompanied them. He clearly saw the hearts of His disciples were afraid and calling for help from God. The Lord came at the right time when the disciples needed Him. He consoled, encouraged, protected, and shielded His disciples against the big waves and winds of the sea. He reassured His disciples with words of encouragement, and with His very presence: "It is I. Do not be afraid!" Having God means having everything!

It is true that those who know how to cling to, rely on, and trust in Him do not have to fear any dark forces.

The words of reassurance that Jesus gave to His disciples in the past are still spoken by God in today's world to His faithful disciples: "It is I. Do not be afraid!" As they always call on the name of God: may He keep, shelter, and protect us.

God's Word today, God calls everyone to trust and believe in God. He always watches over, shields, protects, and accompanies all those who call on His Holy name. Even in current life, everyone who is encountering big waves, strong winds, suffering, and challenges, do not be afraid: trust and rely on God. For He is the living One, the mighty, and the all-powerful. He can do all things. No one has the strength and power like God. Therefore, all who want God's help should call on God's holy name, and He will come.

Thanks be to God. Amen.