But he said to them,
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
(John 6:20)
Jesus is always present and ready to help us in our times of need. His presence can bring immediate relief and help us overcome our struggles. Instead of being afraid, we should trust in Jesus, even when we are faced with situations that are beyond our understanding. He has mastery over nature and has the power and control over all things, including the challenges we face in our lives. Let us have courage and welcome Jesus into our lives, even at times when we are afraid.
16 When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, 17 embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 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. 20 But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” 21 They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading. (John 6:16-21)
In times of need, when troubles are rife, Jesus is there, the guide in our life. His presence, a balm, cuts through like a knife, brings immediate relief, ends all strife. When situations arise, beyond comprehension, trust in Jesus, He's our intervention. He has mastery over nature, deserves our attention, power and control, beyond all dimension. Challenges we face, in life's grand parade, in His hands, they all start to fade. Courage we find, fear starts to degrade, in our lives, let His love cascade.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge Your constant presence in our lives. You are always ready to help us in our times of need. Your presence brings immediate relief and helps us overcome our struggles. When we are faced with situations that are beyond our understanding, instead of being afraid, we choose to trust in You. We recognize Your mastery over nature and Your power and control over all things, including the challenges we face in our lives. We pray for courage to welcome You into our lives, even at times when we are afraid. We know that with You by our side, we have nothing to fear. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
We should not ignore conflicts that may arise between those that the Lord has entrusted to our care but rather address them directly in a timely and constructive manner. There should always be fairness and equality in treating and handling them. All types of service, whether they are seen as ‘big’ or ‘small’, are valuable and necessary. We cannot do everything themselves, we need to delegate responsibilities to others based on their talents and specialization so that we can focus on our main goal and mission. In selecting leaders, qualities are important such as character, spiritual maturity, and wisdom. These lessons can guide us in our personal lives, in our workplaces, and in our communities. They remind us of the importance of fairness, constructive conflict resolution, effective delegation, valuing all types of service, wise leadership selection, and being responsive to the needs of others.
1 As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 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. 3 Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, 4 whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 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. 6 They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. 7 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. (Acts 6:1-7)
In the heart of conflict, under His care, we must not ignore, but rather, be aware. Address it directly, in a manner fair, for in His kingdom, all deserve an equal share. Big or small, each service is a gem, valuable and necessary, we must not condemn. We can't do all, in His wisdom we stem, delegate responsibilities, let talents be our emblem. In selecting leaders, look beyond the prism, character, maturity, filled with wisdom. These lessons guide us, like a holy chrism, in life, at work, in every schism. Fairness, resolution, delegation we embed, value all service, wisely lead. Responsive to needs, just as He said, in His footsteps, we are led.
Dear Lord, we come before You today, acknowledging that we should not ignore the conflicts that may arise among those You have entrusted to our care. Grant us the wisdom and courage to address these issues directly, in a timely and constructive manner. Help us to always uphold fairness and equality in treating and handling Your people. Remind us that all types of service, whether they are seen as 'big' or 'small', are valuable and necessary in Your kingdom. We acknowledge that we cannot do everything ourselves. We pray for the grace to delegate responsibilities to others based on their talents and specialization, so that we can focus on our main goal and mission. In selecting leaders, guide us to look for qualities such as character, spiritual maturity, and wisdom. May these lessons guide us in our personal lives, in our workplaces, and in our communities. Remind us of the importance of fairness, constructive conflict resolution, effective delegation, valuing all types of service, wise leadership selection, and being responsive to the needs of others. In Your name we pray, Amen.
God’s care and protection are upon those who trust in Him. His word is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. We need to always trust in God’s word and His promises, knowing that He is faithful in all He does. God loves righteousness and justice, and the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. “Righteous” primarily refers to those among God’s people who walked rightly. Under the New Covenant, this can be extended to those declared righteous through faith in Jesus. Let us strive for righteousness and justice in our own lives, as these are qualities that are dear to God’s heart as we express our joy and gratitude towards God through worship.
1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 4 Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. 18 See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19)
In His care and protection, we find our rest, trust in Him, for His word is the best. Upright and faithful, in all His quest, His promises hold true, in this we are blessed. God loves righteousness, justice He adores, the earth is full of His love, it outpours. "Righteous" are those who walk His floors, under the New Covenant, this truth soars. Declared righteous through faith, we stand, in Jesus, we are part of His band. Strive for justice, hand in hand, these qualities are dear, in His land. Express joy, gratitude, in worship we bow, to God, our praises now we vow. In our lives, His love we avow, in His presence, we humbly kowtow.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your care and protection upon us, those who trust in You. We affirm that Your word is upright, and all Your work is done in faithfulness. We commit to always trust in Your word and Your promises, knowing that You are faithful in all You do. We rejoice in Your love for righteousness and justice, and we are grateful that the earth is full of Your steadfast love. We understand that "righteous" primarily refers to those among Your people who walked rightly. Under the New Covenant, this extends to us, declared righteous through faith in Jesus. Help us, Lord, to strive for righteousness and justice in our own lives, as these are qualities that are dear to Your heart. As we express our joy and gratitude towards You through worship, may our lives reflect Your love and righteousness. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Book of Signs
WALKING ON THE WATER
John 6:16-21
First Reading
II. The Mission in Jerusalem
THE NEED FOR ASSISTANTS
Acts 6:1-7
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
PRAISE OF GOD'S POWER AND PROVIDENCE
Psalm 33:1-22
