April 17, 2010
Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
[T]he 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." Acts 6:2-4
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. John 6:19-21
Piety
Father, we pray that the calming presence of Jesus will be all of us and especially among the men participating in the 120th Cursillo this weekend. Bring them safely to the shore of the Closing and be at their side as they reenter the world on Monday and throughout their Fourth Day.
Study
Even after witnessing the miracle of the multiplication of the five barley loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people, the disciples still did not fully understand the extent of Jesus’ love. Bad things continue to happen in the dark until Jesus enters and sheds light and love on the solution. The ride across the Sea of Tiberias on this particular night was dangerous. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. (John 6:18)
Jesus reveals his presence and identity and the immediate problems are solved. Today, Jesus enters the scene and calms everyone and everything down. How many times has Jesus done something similar when he enters the picture? Locked in the Upper Room trembling about when the Romans were coming with a cross for each disciple, Jesus enters and spreads peace and the Holy Spirit. When someone was sick or dying, Jesus could enter the room and cure the person afflicted even to the extent he could raise Lazarus from the dead. Peter’s mother-in-law. The child of the Roman official. The leper. The person crippled at the portico. Even Nicodemus, the Pharisee is drawn in by Jesus who conquers his fear and brings his support of Jesus into the daylight.
Action
Jesus is always in the picture. We have to pay attention to his presence and drop our preoccupation with some other trivial, worldly concerns. When did you not notice Jesus’ presence to help you with a problem? What opened your senses to feel the strength of his loving peace?
How often do we look for solutions at the shopping mall, inside the bottle of Jack Daniels, though binge eating of our favorite comfort food or some other source? Jesus, help us to look in the right place for you and not turn to some inadequate substitute.
