Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 29 April 2028

1 And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

6 These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.

7 And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

2 Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

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

or

R. Alleluia.

4 For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.

5 He loveth mercy and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

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

or

R. Alleluia.

18 Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.

19 To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.

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

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 And when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea.

17 And when they had gone up into a ship, they went over the sea to Capharnaum; and it was now dark, and Jesus was not come unto them.

18 And the sea arose, by reason of a great wind that blew.

19 When they had rowed therefore about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking upon the sea, and drawing nigh to the ship, and they were afraid.

20 But he saith to them: It is I; be not afraid.

21 They were willing therefore to take him into the ship; and presently the ship was at the land to which they were going.

The risen Christ does not abandon his disciples when the path becomes dark or the community faces difficulty. On the sea, the disciples are struggling against the wind when Jesus comes toward them and says, “It is I; be not afraid.” His presence brings them safely to their destination. The same Lord is present in the life of the Church when a real need appears: the widows are being neglected, and the apostles respond with wisdom, prayer, and a concrete sharing of responsibility.

These readings place trust in God at the heart of faithful service. The apostles remain devoted to prayer and the word, while Spirit-filled men are appointed to care for the community’s daily needs. Neither ministry is treated as unimportant; both become instruments through which the word increases and mercy is made visible. The Lord’s eyes rest upon those who hope in his mercy, and the risen Christ continues to guide his people through storms, disagreements, and demanding work. When we recognize his presence, fear need not govern us. We can serve wisely, receive help humbly, and trust that Christ will lead his Church where it needs to go.

Risen Jesus, be near to us when darkness and trouble make us afraid. Give your Church the wisdom to notice those who are overlooked and the generosity to share responsibility in serving them. Keep us faithful to prayer and your word, while filling us with the Holy Spirit for the work you place before us. Teach us to trust your mercy more than our own strength. When winds rise around us, help us hear your voice and welcome you into our lives. Guide us safely toward your purpose, and make our service a sign of your faithful love. Amen.