It Is I. Do Not Be Afraid
Introduction
The apostles were looking for disciples to serve the material needs of the people. They were supposed to be servants filled with the Spirit of wisdom, who would see the needs of their brethren, just and fair in distributing the food and help needed. It takes sensitivity to feel who are the needy and what they need. The apostles set Stephen and companions aside for this task. This reading says also what is of high importance for all of us, the clergy, religious and laity: that the first duty of the Church is the proclamation of the Good News. And the Good News says, “Christ is always staying with his Church in times of trials and the tempest of all times.” So, do not be afraid. It is the Risen Lord!
Reading 1: ACTS 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
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.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
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.
They presented these men to the Apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
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.
Responsorial Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. or: Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. R.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine. R.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ is risen, who made all things;
he has shown mercy on all people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea,
embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.
It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.
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.
But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.
Commentary
When the goodness of God is truly appreciated, it leads to service and ministry.
Although they are not called “deacons,” this passage from Acts of the Apostles is often seen as the institution of the order of deacons. In the past the diaconate was a stepping stone to priesthood, with its singular ecclesial value frequently overlooked. Since Vatican II, men are ordained deacons as a permanent ministry, appreciated in and for themselves as a distinct part of the Church’s hierarchy. There is evidence in the New Testament that in its earliest stages the order included women as well.
When the first wave of deacons appeared after Vatican II emerged, the results were uneven. Today the quality of deaconate candidates has improved dramatically, and in many parishes they play an indispensable role in the daily life of the Church.
In today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles the deacons are installed to provide for the material needs of the poorer members of the community. Many deacons continue to fill that role in our times. What is important to note here is that the social ministry was an integral part of the Church’s life from the start. There is no place where the church is present and people in need do not exist. One of the earliest synods of bishops after Vatican II spoke of social justice as an integral part of evangelisation. In other words, the Church cannot ignore human need and be true to itself.
When the disciples in today’s Gospel recognize Jesus walking on the water, after they had rowed several miles on a turbulent sea, Jesus did not enter the boat. But the disciples quickly found themselves at their desired destination. So, too, in the Church, it is through the collaboration of various ministries that a difficult task becomes easier. Ministry in the Church is multifaceted in its Spirit-filled direction.
For our deacons and all those who serve the needs of our people in the Church we can only be grateful.
Blessing
Communities worthy of that name care for the needy among them. But there are also spiritual needs, of people who are tired, confused, mourning. As the Lord is with us, let us stand by their side, with the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!