Trust and Service

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of how we navigate the challenges of our lives.

Still Waters

The passage from the Acts of the Apostles explains the calling of seven men to assist in distribution of assistance to the Greek speaking widows in 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.

In the Gospel from John, Jesus becomes present to the apostles as they struggle in dangerous seas.

* [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.

Susan Naatz believes that the Apostles experienced peace and tranquility which sprang from their deep trust of Jesus.  Their trust and love for him helped their fear to dissipate.

Over and over in scripture, God assures us that we are loved and protected. In this gospel encounter we see how Jesus reassures his friends by inviting them to trust him.  “It is I. Do not be afraid.” He reminds them that he will protect them just as he protects us while we navigate the challenges of our lives.

Don Schwager comments on Jesus as a very present help in trouble.

The Scriptures remind us that the Lord is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Whatever storms may beset us, he promises to "bring us to our desired haven" and place of calm rest and safety (Psalm 107:29-30). The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help?

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the description of Luke of the community also includes details of difficulties between linguistic groups. The fifth sign in the Gospel of John is a nature miracle the is connected to Psalm 23. The community can see a fulfillment of this Psalm in Jesus.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, concludes discussions on the role of our bodies with an invitation to relax into our natural rhythm of breathing and to rest in gratitude for the wisdom of our body and the collective human body that all breathes the same air.
References

(n.d.). Acts, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts6:54

(n.d.). John 6. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/john6.htm

(n.d.). Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 14, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/