Daily Readings for April 18, 2015

1ST READING

The clergy should reflect on this text and ask themselves if they are being faithful to their calling as men of the Word of God and men of prayer. This is our first calling as Christians. What the world and the Church need most are holy leaders who are immersed in prayer and the Word of God. Let us pray that God will give our leaders the grace to be holy and prayerful.

Acts 6:1-7

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.

P S A L M

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

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

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. (R) 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. (R) 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. (R)

GOSPEL

There will always be storms in our lives. There are times when we do not know how we will survive the sea of troubles that rise against us. Like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we “take arms against a sea of troubles and so end them.” We need to stand firm and fight the battle as it comes to us. God will be at our side; He will be the one to see us through to victory.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ is risen, who made all things; he has shown mercy on all people.

John 6:16-21

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.

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