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/ 

Witness to Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary on the Feast of the First Martyr, Stephen, challenge us to be witnesses to the fullness of life as disciples of Christ.

Vision of the Spirit

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Arrest and Stoning of Stephen.

* [7:55] He…saw…Jesus standing at the right hand of God: Stephen affirms to the Sanhedrin that the prophecy Jesus made before them has been fulfilled (Mk 14:62).

* [7:57] Covered their ears: Stephen’s declaration, like that of Jesus, is a scandal to the court, which regards it as blasphemy. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 31 is a prayer and praise for Deliverance from Enemies.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6).

* [31:6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Lk 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this Psalm verse. Stephen in Acts 7:59 alludes to these words as he is attacked by enemies. The verse is used as an antiphon in the Divine Office at Compline, the last prayer of the day. (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew foresees Coming Persecutions

* [10:17] The persecutions attendant upon the post-resurrection mission now begin to be spoken of. Here Matthew brings into the discourse sayings found in Mk 13 which deals with events preceding the parousia.

* [10:21] See Mi 7:6 which is cited in Mt 10:35, 36.

* [10:22] To the end: the original meaning was probably “until the parousia.” But it is not likely that Matthew expected no missionary disciples to suffer death before then, since he envisages the martyrdom of other Christians (Mt 10:21). For him, the end is probably that of the individual’s life (see Mt 10:28). (Matthew CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Elvin Cardoso, S.J. comments that Saint Stephen is honored as a deacon and martyr in the Church. The word "martyr" means "witness," and we see the essence of a Christian witness in the life and example of St. Stephen. Pope Francis often reminds us that there are more martyrs than in the early Church. A witness is not someone who simply holds a good idea but lives and speaks the truth of God’s love.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Stephen unjustly accused yet filled with the Holy Spirit; he responds with wisdom and counters falsehoods with truth. St. Stephen lived and died for Christ. Like Jesus, Stephen entrusted his spirit to God and prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors. He embodied a love that extended even to his enemies, showing us the greatness of God’s love.

May St. Stephen's intercession inspire us to embrace the Holy Spirit so that we, too, can become living witnesses of Jesus. May our lives reflect God's love and be a beacon of hope and faith for the world. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Your Father speaks through you in every age,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"To be sure, we heard in that reading, 'But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how or what you are to speak... for it is not you who are speaking but the Spirit of your Father who speaks through you.' And he says in another place: 'Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world' (Matthew 28:20). Does this mean that the people who heard those words of the Lord would be here until the end of the world? The Lord was referring, rather, not only to those about to depart from this life but also to the others, including us and those who would come after us in this life. He saw everyone in his single body, and the words he spoke, 'I am with you even to the end of the world,' were heard by them and by us too. And if we did not hear them then in our knowledge, we heard them in his foreknowledge. Therefore, safe as sheep among the wolves, let us keep the commandments of him who directs us. And let us be 'innocent as doves but cautious as snakes' (Matthew 10:16). Innocent as doves that we may not harm anyone; cautious as snakes that we may be careful of letting anyone harm us." (excerpt from SERMON 64A.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 comments that even in the midst of Stephen’s suffering, however, Jesus provided him with the great gift of his presence. He opened Stephen’s eyes so that he could see the very throne of heaven “and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Even when he was being stoned because of his proclamation of Jesus, it was that same Lord who strengthened him to endure to the end. Jesus was pouring out his grace in the midst of a terrible ordeal.

Today, think back on an especially difficult season or event of your life. Now, look a bit deeper, and let God bring to mind the ways in which he was present to you. How did he pour out his grace? In what ways did you see him care for you through the people around you?

Our God is so faithful! He doesn’t promise us a life free of suffering. He even warned that we might be persecuted because of our belief in him. But he does promise to be with us at every moment of our lives, and especially in our trials. Today, ask St. Stephen to pray that you would see God’s presence in your life as clearly as he did. Then praise the Lord for such an amazing gift!

“Lord Jesus, may I always appreciate the gift and promise of your presence!” (Meditation on Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reminds us of the service initially required of deacons involving charity and notes that the Greek speaking Stephen may have had less attachment to the Law and the Temple than his Hebrew audience. As he is being stoned, Stephen entrusts himself to the Spirit and forgives his persecutors. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus suffers with Christians who are persecuted.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces writer and activist Kelley Nikondeha who reminds us of the location of Jesus’ birth in occupied territory. Nikondeha shares the empowering hope of incarnation.

This is the story of advent: we join Jesus as incarnations of God’s peace on this earth for however long it takes. God walks in deep solidarity with humanity, sharing in our sufferings and moments of hope. Amid our hardship, God is with us. Emmanuel remains the name on our lips in troubled times.  

Advent isn’t the acceptance of status-quo peace, but an incarnation of God’s peace that we live in the world. The peacemakers formed by advent are those who resist empire, who practice hospitality with neighbors, and who enter into solidarity with God in the work of liberation for everyone.  

May there be calm, bright nights ahead for the peacemakers, the meek, and all people God accompanies through advent still. [4] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the message of the feast today for the first martyr even as we continue to celebrate Jesus' birth as light of the world.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/7 

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/122624.html 

Matthew CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10?17 

Meditation on Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/26/1165875/ 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Born Under Oppression. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/born-under-oppression/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The One Who Endures to the End Will Be Saved. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec26