DAILY- HOMILY

April 29, 2017 – SATURDAY, 2nd Week of Easter

St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church 

Memorial, White

Acts 6: 1 - 7 / Jn 6: 16 - 21

     St. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) was instrumental in the return of the papacy to Rome from the Avignon captivity (1309 - 1377). Imprinted with the stigmata, she died in Rome at age 33. She is the Patroness of Italy.

FROM THE 1ST READING:     Acts 6: 2- 4

     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 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."

GOSPEL READING:     Jn 6: 16- 21

     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 of 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; do not be afraid."

     They wanted to take him into the boat, but immediately the boat was at the shore to which they were going.

REFLECTION

     In the first reading, in order that distribution of help to those in need may not jeopardize time for prayer and preaching the Good News, the Apostles appoint the first deacons in the Church.

     In the second reading, while the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee, a strong wind caused a rough sea. Jesus joins his disciples walking on the water and assures the frightened disciples, "It is me; do not be afraid." And he calms the wind and the waters.

     So many times, especially after the resurrection, Jesus greets those he appears to with his peace and tells them not to be afraid. Appearing to Mary of Magdala, he greets her by name, "Mary" and assures her he was alive. Appearing to the disciples behind locked doors in the evening of Easter Sunday, he begins, "Peace be with you," and fills the frightened disciples with joy. When he appears to them a week later with Thomas present, he also begins, "Peace be with you."

     At his appearance to the seven disciples fishing at the Sea of Galilee, he greets them with familiarity, "Children, have you anything to eat?" and treats the disciples to a picnic-breakfast on the beach.

     "Peace be with you" and "It is I; do not be afraid" are assurances to us of his presence and his loving care for us: "Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are beside me." (Ps 23: 4)

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     FR. ANTONIO M. BASILIO SJ 

     JUN S. CABUSAY 

     SUYENNE YANG

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     ANDREW & ESTHER NG

     JEFFREY CHUA & SABRINA CHUA

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!

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   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

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