Second Week of Easter : Saturday 13th April 2024

The early Church is growing quickly! This growth brings joy as well as challenge. Some believers find themselves on the margins, including Greek-speaking widows. Since they lost their husbands, they relied on the community for support.

The Apostles soon realize that they cannot coordinate everything themselves and so they delegate care of material needs to deacons. This simple decision demonstrates something important about the early Church it is based on love. If the disciples were not loving, they would simply leave weaker members to fend for themselves. If the leaders were selfish, they would keep all authority for themselves. Instead, the community lives out a spirit of sharing, trust and care—a sign that the Risen Lord is present.

In the Gospel, when Jesus is not present there is darkness, the waves are rough and the disciples are scared. Jesus arrives and says: “It is I; do not be afraid” (Jn. 6:20). The first phrase invokes the holy name and presence of God (Ex. 3:14). The second phrase follows: because God is present, the disciples do not need to fear the darkness.

The challenges of life are real but so is the love of God. Jesus is God.

Risen Lord, fill my heart with your love and drive out any fear, and when challenges arise, give me courage to love.