Faith Service and Fear

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the trust we develop in Providence to bring us to safety when we encounter storms that may raise our fear as we serve the people in our environment.

Calming the Storms

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents The Need for Assistants to serve the community.

* [6:1–7] The Hellenists…the Hebrews: the Hellenists were not necessarily Jews from the diaspora, but were more probably Palestinian Jews who spoke only Greek. The Hebrews were Palestinian Jews who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and who may also have spoken Greek. Both groups belong to the Jerusalem Jewish Christian community. The conflict between them leads to a restructuring of the community that will better serve the community’s needs. The real purpose of the whole episode, however, is to introduce Stephen as a prominent figure in the community whose long speech and martyrdom will be recounted in Acts 7. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 33 praises God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22).

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus calms the fear of the Apostles when Walking on the Water.

* [6:16–21] The fifth sign is a nature miracle, portraying Jesus sharing Yahweh’s power. Cf. the parallel stories following the multiplication of the loaves in Mk 6:45–52 and Mt 14:22–33.

* [6:19] Walking on the sea: although the Greek (cf. Jn 6:16) could mean “on the seashore” or “by the sea” (cf. Jn 21:1), the parallels, especially Mt 14:25, make clear that Jesus walked upon the water. John may allude to Jb 9:8: God “treads upon the crests of the sea.”

* [6:20] It is I: literally, “I am.” See also notes on Jn 4:26 and Mk 6:50. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Laura Roost comments that in this time and watching world news it can be hard to remember that the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord.

This is not unique to our time, of course. I am reminded through faithful homilies that weekly challenge us to return the following week able to offer our everyday lived faith in community from the past week back to God the following week. It is lived faith in community and everyday life that makes us able to see both the outrages of the world, and the kindness of the Lord through which hope comes. In the end the kindness is there – it is up to us to cling to Christ and live Easter hope everyday. As we end thinking about the ways the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord – even now – I share a helpful prayer from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith: 

“Help us to embrace the world You have given us, that we may transform the darkness of its pain into the life and joy of Easter.” (Roost, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes Christ our physician, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"God sent the human race a physician, a savior, One Who healed without charging a fee. Christ also came to reward those who would be healed by Him. Christ heals the sick, and He makes a gift to those whom He heals. And the gift that He makes is Himself!" (excerpt from Sermon 102,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:16-21 comments that Jesus doesn’t always jump into our boats and tell us exactly why we shouldn’t be afraid. In fact, sometimes he doesn’t immediately calm our “storms.” Instead, he gives us the opportunity to exercise our faith and decide how we will respond. He knows that’s how we grow in wisdom and trust in him.

Look back on a difficult situation in your life. Were there times when it felt as if you were all on your own—as if even Jesus wasn’t there to help? But now, using 20/20 hindsight, can you see how he really was there, patiently guiding you to the shore? Think about how that experience actually made you stronger and built your faith, maybe in ways you never expected.

Interestingly, all three versions of this story ( Matthew 14:22–33., Mark 6:45–52, and John 6:16-21 ) have one key point in common: Jesus tells the disciples not to be afraid. That message is for you, too! When you’re in the dark, tossed about, know that Jesus is closer than you may think. Let that truth calm your fears and strengthen your faith!

“Jesus, thank you for leading me through the storms of my life.” (Meditation on John 6:16-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts 2 and 4 we see a united community but in Acts 6 we realize that always wasn’t the case the Greek widows were not receiving the needed assistance to the same degree as the Hebrew widows. The phrase “deacons” is based on the Greek word to serve. The “first deacon”, Stephen, would both assist in charity and preach. Did the first deacons proclaim the Good News too? Friar Jude continues to comment on the connection of the miracle of the loaves to Psalm 23 and in today’s Gospel there is a resonance with “Beside restful waters” as sign of Jesus protection and satisfaction of the deepest hunger of our hearts.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, writes at the Center for Action and Contemplation, we seek to ground compassionate action in contemplative, nondual consciousness. When we experience the reality of our oneness with God, others, and creation, actions of justice and healing naturally follow. If we’re working to create a more whole world, contemplation will give our actions nonviolent, loving power for the long haul.

The civil rights leader John Lewis (1940–2020) has been an inspiration to many of us. How did this saintly public man avoid deeper recognition for so long? His words read like a prayer for contemplative action:

Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. Know that the truth always leads to love and the perpetuation of peace. Its products are never bitterness and strife. Clothe yourself in the work of love, in the revolutionary work of nonviolent resistance against evil. Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul and embed this planet with goodness. Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We affirm the action of the Spirit as we contemplate the calm and peace we receive when working in service of the needs of the community.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6?1 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?16 

Meditation on John 6:16-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/18/1545853/ 

Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/33?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Contemplation, Liberation, and Action: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-18-2026 

Roost, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-18-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Said: "It Is I - Do Not Be Afraid". Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Resist and Revive

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to rise to the challenge to be the “bread of life” in our environment as a sign and ministry of Jesus’ Way to fullness of Life.

Bread Shared for Life

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Gamaliel offers examples of unsuccessful contemporary movements.

* [5:34] Gamaliel: in Acts 22:3, Paul identifies himself as a disciple of this Rabbi Gamaliel I who flourished in Jerusalem between A.D. 25 and 50.

* [5:36–37] Gamaliel offers examples of unsuccessful contemporary movements to argue that if God is not the origin of this movement preached by the apostles it will perish by itself. The movement initiated by Theudas actually occurred when C. Cuspius Fadus was governor, A.D. 44–46. Luke’s placing of Judas the Galilean after Theudas and at the time of the census (see note on Lk 2:1–2) is an indication of the vagueness of his knowledge of these events. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 asserts “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3).

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Sign of Jesus Multiplication of the Loaves.

* [6:1–15] This story of the multiplication of the loaves is the fourth sign (cf. note on Jn 5:1–47). It is the only miracle story found in all four gospels (occurring twice in Mark and Matthew). See notes on Mt 14:13–21; 15:32–39. John differs on the roles of Philip and Andrew, the proximity of Passover (Jn 6:4), and the allusion to Elisha (see Jn 6:9). The story here symbolizes the food that is really available through Jesus. It connotes a new exodus and has eucharistic overtones.

* [6:1] [Of Tiberias]: the awkward apposition represents a later name of the Sea of Galilee. It was probably originally a marginal gloss.

* [6:5] Jesus takes the initiative (in the synoptics, the disciples do), possibly pictured as (cf. Jn 6:14) the new Moses (cf. Nm 11:13).

* [6:6] Probably the evangelist’s comment; in this gospel Jesus is never portrayed as ignorant of anything.

* [6:7] Days’ wages: literally, “denarii”; a Roman denarius is a day’s wage in Mt 20:2.

* [6:9] Barley loaves: the food of the poor. There seems an allusion to the story of Elisha multiplying the barley bread in 2 Kgs 4:42–44.

* [6:10] Grass: implies springtime, and therefore Passover. Five thousand: so Mk 6:39, 44 and parallels.

* [6:13] Baskets: the word describes the typically Palestinian wicker basket, as in Mk 6:43 and parallels.

* [6:14] The Prophet: probably the prophet like Moses (see note on Jn 1:21). The one who is to come into the world: probably Elijah; cf. Mal 3:1, 23. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Candice Tucci, OSF, comments that so many people find themselves in harm’s way for many reasons. Life is precious. We rely on HOPE, seek peace, and the end to violence. The Resurrection of Jesus reminds us of our provident God, who wishes only life, and that life may be continued on earth and afterwards in the loving embrace of God.

As the apostles were flogged, there was pain. While there were many hungry people, and still are, we are fed by Jesus, the Bread of Life. Consider the many people who work to feed the hungry in Ukraine or Gaza. Good people provide in our neighborhoods, providing food pantries and kitchens, as well as tending to the food deserts of our country--world. God never leaves us. God is always Emmanuel; God is with us as we live in Jesus. The Cross tells us He is with us in our sufferings. The Resurrection reveals to us that there is Hope and Love in Christ, who is Life Everlasting. (Tucci, n.d.)

 

Theologian Elizabeth Johnson says it this way from her book, The Cross and Creation:

“…the living God, gracious and merciful, always was, is and will be accompanying the world with saving grace, including humans in their sinfulness, and humans and all creatures in their unique beauty, evolutionary struggle, and inevitable dying…”.

…“The cross of Jesus is a revelation of the depth of God’s love, entering into the suffering of the world… not to satisfy a debt, but to accompany and redeem.”

God provides all the time. We need to do our part. Challenge the “Sanhedrin” and never stop being, doing, teaching, witnessing, and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus, no matter what the cost. (Tucci, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “God enables us, by Leo the Great,” 400-461 A.D.

"In rendering service to the grace of God, we are not only made subject to our King through obedience but are even joined to him through the will. If we are of one mind with him (willing what he wills, disapproving of what he disapproves), he himself will bring us victory in all our battles. He who has given the 'will' will bestow also the ability. In this way can we 'cooperate' with his works, speaking that prophetic utterance in the exultation of faith: 'The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?'" (excerpt from Sermon 26,4,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:1-15 comments that when we consider the magnitude of the needs that we see in the world, the Church, our neighborhoods, and our families. “What good” can we do about them? Our resources aren’t enough to meet all the needs, and we might feel overwhelmed. But remember, Jesus already knows what he is going to do in each of these situations.

 He is inviting you to participate in his work, not do it all yourself. Like Andrew, you can give what you have and watch Jesus use it. How?

Start small; do what you can do. Like Andrew, offer Jesus a concrete, practical step that you can take to work toward healing, reconciliation, or relief. Remember, Jesus knows what he’s doing, and he is perfectly capable of multiplying whatever you offer him.

“Jesus, I lay all these tragedies at your feet. Show me today how I can cooperate with you.” (Meditation on John 6:1-15, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the passage Acts, from yesterday, the Sanhedrin was furious. Rabbi Gamaliel gives examples of people who had their movements fall apart and notes that if it is from God they cannot act against it, if not it will fall apart. Gamaliel, was a wise teacher of Paul at this time. The multiplication, in John’s Gospel, occurs once. Matthew and Mark proclaim the multiplication twice for Jews and Gentiles. In John, the three Passovers are mentioned, and this identifies Jesus' ministry of three years. (Two years and a weekend are recognized in Jewish tradition of the part as representing the whole as three years) In John’s Gospel, the followers really don’t get it that Jesus has a knowledge beyond their understanding. There are 5 loaves and 2 wishes resonating with the perfect number, 7. Jesus takes the perfect and makes it better. Jesus and makes up for our lack. The resonance of green grass to Psalm 23 in verdant passage and beside restful waters and the instruction to “Gather up the fragments “ is repeated in early liturgical tests. The breaking of the bread as a prefiguring of the Eucharist. This is a prefiguring word in Greek for “Eucharist”. Friar Jude comments that they want to make him a king but this “sign” points to a greater reality of Jesus to heal the greatest hunger of our hearts.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Brian McLaren who reflects on how contemplation and community enable him to live according to the values of the kingdom of God. The journey to sovereignty of mind requires an inward migration, where we in a sense become refugees from our external nation, culture, economy, and civilization, even though we still live within its borders. We withdraw inwardly… Alexis Wright speaks of this inward migration. Jesus described the innermost room of your consciousness (Matthew 6:6), where you go to think differently, to sort out your desires and hopes authentically. When you learn how to do that inward migration, that spiritual migration, you find yourself looking for others who have also gone there, who have discovered freedom and sovereignty of mind.

[Jesus said,] “Wherever two or three of you gather in my name, there I am,” and [we] might understand him to say, “Listen, I understand that you are outnumbered. I understand that so many people around you have been sucked into the story of ugliness. I understand that you are learning to live by a different story where beauty abounds. You don’t need me physically present to tell the beautiful story. You can tell it yourselves. Even just two or three of you can gather together, embodying my way of being in the world. You can be cells of resistance, outposts of transformation, seedbeds of beauty.”

That is the best future I can imagine for organized religion in these dangerous times. Instead of helping nostalgic people inhabit bubbles of the past, religious communities can help people go forward on this inward migration toward sovereignty of mind, where in defiance of a rising level of ugliness, people cultivate beauty… seeing it, creating it, savoring it. Savoring beauty within will lead to beautiful outward action. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we work to resist the negativity and division of contemporary culture and invite all we encounter to sit in the green grass of Psalm 23 and accept the food we need from the Good Shepherd.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5? 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?1 

Meditation on John 6:1-15. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/17/1545322/ 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Inward Migration. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-inward-migration/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Miraculous Sign of Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Tucci, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 17, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-17-2026