DAILY- HOMILY

09 April 2016 

Saturday, 2nd Week of Easter  

White.          

Acts 6:1 – 7 / John 6: 16 – 21

1st Reading: Acts 6:1 - 7

In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve at tables.  So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men full of the Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task.  As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.

The whole community agreed and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch who was a proselyte. They presentd these men to the apostles who first prayed over them and then laid hands upon them. 

From the Gospel Reading: Jn 6:16 - 20 

When evening came, the disciples went down to the shore. After a while they got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the sea, for it was now dark and Jesus had not yet come to them.  But the sea was getting rough because a strong wind was blowing.

They had rowed about three or four miles, when they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and he was drawing near to the boat. They were frightened,  but he said to them, "It is Me; don't be afraid." 

Reflection

In the early Church, the rich members of the congregation gave financial help to the poorer members, especially widows and orphans.  The money was usually given to the elders and presbyters.  But because the Church was growing in number, the apostles decided to choose deacons who would take care of distributing relief to these poorer members of the community. The Church is like this – full of charism and always helping its members in their spiritual growth as well as their temporal needs.

Our help to others should also be the same.  We are called to help the poor financially, starting with those around us -- our maids, drivers, employees, etc.-- by giving them a decent wage.  We should also encourage them to live upright lives.  Our Christian love must be shown in action, not only with words and prayers.  Our ultimate aim is to lead them to God by our charitable and good actions.  Seeing us, they will feel that Jesus is just at their side. 

In the Gospel reading, Jesus walks on the waters of the lake and appears to the disciples who were in a boat buffeted by strong winds and waves.  This was in order to let them know that he was there with them in their time of trial.  Let us be there for others when they need a kind word or a helping hand.      

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Benjie Zialcita

     Fr. J. Cesar R. Marin, SJ

     Matthew Harris L. Ngo

     Yolanda B. Capistrano

     Harvey S. Keh

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+