Founded on Faith

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041815.cfm) reminds me that as we work for God, every task and action should be founded on faith.

In the first reading, we see that the disciples encountered concerns on physical nourishment of some people. They wanted to focus on the spiritual work, so they appointed people to be in charge of physical nourishment. This may seem as a normal or worldly task. One needs to be organized, well respected and fair to be able to fulfill this task. However, it is interesting to note the characteristics the apostles needed – these people should be filled with spirit and wisdom.

No matter how routine or worldly a task may be, what is important is a deep love for and relationship with God. Actions should be founded on faith.

Sometimes we look less at a task because it may seem simple and insignificant. However, for God, no task is too small or too boring. No matter what task there is, no matter what work needs to be done for him, what is important to God is we are founded on faith. We should have a deep and personal relationship with Him. This will enable him to guide us and use us mightily for his purpose.

May we be inspired to continue working on our relationship with God so that when he calls us to do something, no matter how simple or how huge we may feel it is, we will be ready.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, help me build my relationship with you. Help me to put priority and importance to my relationship with you. As I work hard to achieve things in life and in my career, may I also work hard to improve my faith. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 18, 2015

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Lectionary: 272

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 Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

or:

R. 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. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

or:

R. Alleluia.

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. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Christ is risen, who made all things;

he has shown mercy on all people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 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.