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First Reading: 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./ 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./ Lord, let your mercy be on us,
as we place our trust in you. or 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 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 Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: 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.
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 and be just and fair in distributing the food and the 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 that the first duty of the Church is the proclamation of the good news. And, says the gospel, that good news says that Christ is always staying with his Church, also in the trials and the tempest of all times.
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
also in our day we need men and women
filled with the Spirit of love and service
who are attentive to the needs of people.
Let them listen even to the unspoken cries
of people too timid to voice
their poverty and distress
and help without condescension
their brothers and sisters of Christ,
for he is our Lord for ever.
General Intercessions
- For those who left the Church or have not yet found it, that the witnessing of our evangelical living may be the food that nourishes their hunger for God, we pray:
- For people who have enough to eat, that they be concerned to bring to those in need the food of their help, love and justice, we pray:
- For those who participate regularly in the eucharist, that they may also learn and relish the food of your word, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
your Son Jesus shares himself again
in these signs of bread and wine.
May he make us to our neighbor
the bread of encouragement and justice
and the drink of joy and peace.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
you let your Son stay with us in the eucharist
so as to live all the more among us
in everyday life.
Accept our thanks
and let him continue to be our strength
on the road of life
until we reach with him
the house of you, our God and Father,
and live in your joy for ever.
Blessing
We believe in Jesus, our risen Lord. He nourishes us with his word of life; may it be good news which we want to experience and practice. He nourishes us with his bread of life. May it prompt you to bring love and serving help to anyone in need, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
