Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 13 Apr 2024
Second Week of Easter – Saturday
Acts 6:1-7. John 6:16-21
First things first
The Early Christian community, which was of one mind and one heart at times, had to face frictions. The first reading of the day brings before us such a frictional situation. The problem is linguistic (racial) and dietary. The apostles came together to solve the problem immediately.
The apostles not only seek an immediate solution but also work on an enduring solution. They appoint seven deacons to wait at the table. The apostles delegate their work to the deacons. What others can do, we need not do. We must find our USP (unique selling point)—the work that we alone can do. The apostles, by attending to the problem immediately, show interest in the vulnerable people – ‘the widows’ – of the society.
The apostles convert a problem into an opportunity – an opportunity to clarify their vision.
The author of Atomic Habits says that we can never win at everything. We cannot pretend to be so. We need to identify our spaces and win those spaces.
After the Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles believed that they could change the entire world. But slowly, they realise that it is not possible. They come together to seek a solution – in a synodal way! In order to set other people’s problems right, they set their own house in order. They change the direction of their lives.
In the gospel reading, which is in the context of a meal, there is a new context. There is enough bread for everyone. For this reason, they wanted to make Jesus king. Jesus, realising his own priorities, goes to a private place to pray.
(a) The inclusive and synodal approach of the disciples makes us open-minded to other people.
(b) The apostles believe that everyone can make it. Everyone of us in the world is moving towards our vision and mission.
(c) John writes that Jesus did not enter the boat. At times, we too miss Jesus in our boat. When our lives are depressed and heavy, let us be resolved that he is praying for us.
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“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word” (Ps 119:114). (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 71)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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