Saturday 22 April, 2023 | Saturday of the Second Week of Easter |Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 32 (33):1-2,4-5,18-19; John 6:16-21 (You can find these in full on the Universalis website – Click here)
In his little book about the Northern saints of England, Basil Hume wrote, “In every age there are stumbling blocks to receiving the gospel, but I still believe that there are people who are searching. They realise this when they are in crisis… the moments when you find yourself suddenly asking questions: “Well, what is life all about? What are we here for? Where is it all leading What happens after death?” Many of the saints whom Basil Hume wrote about had settled in secluded places such as the the Farne islands, the most famous being Lindisfarne, off the Northumbrian coast. They set out in faith, trusting in God, and riding the waves which carried them to safety.
In the gospel reading, the disciples have sailed for three or four miles on Galilee’s waters, as they set out for Capernaum. A storm rises and threatens their safety, made all the worse by the absence of Jesus who had still not re-joined them. On the midst of the storm, the vision of Jesus walking through the waves fills them with fear at first, but through the storm, his voice is heard, bringing words of comfort., “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Perhaps we can relate to Basil Hume’s observations and think of a time of crisis or difficulty which has caused us to ask questions, to seek more meaning to our lives, to search for God when all around us seems stormy, chaotic or confusing. Likewise, too, we can create a space where others can ask those questions, accompany them along their journey, allowing them to express their fears, and share the big questions which have emerged in their life. Within the community of the church we can nurture a culture of seeking and searching, providing a space where people can grapple with the obstacles to faith, and begin to identify the presence of Jesus who is alongside us, speaking words of comfort, and leading us on through the difficulties of life.
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Mass today (Saturday 22 April, 2023) is celebrated at S Mary’s Church, Butetown at 11.30am preceded by Morning Prayer and Rosary at 11am. If you would like to send a prayer request then click on the ‘REQUEST PRAYER’ Button
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