HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: It is I. Do not be afraid.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY APRIL 30 2022
Memorial of Pope St. Pius V, Pope
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 32:1-2,4-5,18-19
John 6:16-21
*INTRODUCTION*
I want to start todays reflection by giving an apology of not sending yesterdays homily due to some pastoral commitments, i personally say sorry to those who were affected in one way or another.
Today is the Saturday of the second week of Easter, and we encouraged by the readings that, the Lord is surely with us and He will never abandon us, and He will guide and lead us down the right path, as long as we are willing to follow Him wholeheartedly.
*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we heard of the conflict that occurred in the early Church in the group called the Hellenists, which signified one of the earliest groups within the early Christian community, a division that was bound to happen due to the diverse nature of the first Christians and the community built by the Apostles. As such, the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit decided to appoint several men who were tasked with the care of the community, making sure that all of the faithful and their needs are taken care of. These seven holy men dedicated by the Apostles would become the first deacons of the Church and hence became the institution of the Order of Deacons or the Diaconate.
*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today, we heard of the moment when the Lord appeared before His disciples in the middle of a great storm in the sea of Galilee. They were in their boat, amidst all the storm and the winds, the waves and others, when the Lord appeared to them while walking on the water. The disciples were all frightened but the Lord reassured them that it was indeed Him that they had seen. The Lord then calmed the storm and the waves to the astonishment of the disciples.
*WHAT DO WE LEARN ESPECIALLY FROM THE GOSPEL READING OF TODAY?*
The Gospel of today is full of symbols. The boat is the representation of the Church, with the disciples representing all of us the faithful people of God. The storm and the waves represent the many trials and challenges facing the Church, all the opposition, persecution and difficulties that we as the faithful may encounter in our lives as Christians. But we must not be afraid as the Lord will always be with us and He will never abandon us in our time of need. God will always be by our side no matter what.
*CONCLUSION*
Brothers and sisters in Christ, inspired by the great examples set by Pope St. Pius V. May God bless us all and may He empower each one of us to be faithful to Him, now and always.
St Pius V pray for Us!
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA