1ST READING
The
appointing of the deacons was not just an attempt to ensure that the
widows and poor would be attended to fairly, but also to free the
Apostles for the services of prayer and proclamation of the Gospel.
Prayer is the bedrock of Christian life and we should not neglect it at
all costs. The same is true of proclaiming the Gospel in the life of the
Church.
Acts 6:1-7
1 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.
P S A L M
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord
the earth is full. (R) 18 See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus
wants to take away all our fears of serving Him and the Gospel. There
is really nothing to fear in getting deeper into the service and life of
the Church. This is our truest home here on Earth. The disciples are
afraid of the many powers and happenings around them. If we can learn
how to fix our eyes on heaven, we will never fear anything as our whole
being will be consumed with the pursuit of the Gospel and eternal life.
With our eyes fixed on the Kingdom, everything else will fade into
insignificance.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Christ is risen who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people.
John 6:16-21
16 When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus 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.
think: Prayer is the bedrock of Christian life and we should not neglect it at all costs.
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 4-6
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