Acts 6:1-7 / John 6:16-21 (2024)
The early church has often been held as an model for us to emulate. They were united in heart and mind and they shared their belongings with each other and no one was in need.
Furthermore, the presence of the apostles affirmed and strengthened the faith of the early church and they bore powerful witness to the Risen Christ and to the Good News.
Yet, in spite of this, all was not that perfect or rosy, for danger lurks even in safe places, and small issues can explode into nasty confrontations.
The 1st reading recorded the first crisis in the early church. There was tension between the Hebrews and Hellenists, and it was like a tension between locals and foreigners.
We may be surprised that this can happen in the early church. But as a matter of fact, this can happen to any church in any time in any place.
The possible cause of such crises may be found in today's gospel, as the disciples in the boat were caught in rough seas and strong wind.
And Jesus was not with them! And even when He came to them walking on the water, they became frightened.
Yes, there will always be crises in the Church and also in our own lives. More so when we begin to think that it is safe and we become complacent and indifferent in our faith. We take Jesus for granted.
But when crises start to explode and rock the Church and our lives, let us remember what Jesus said to the disciples in the boat.
"It is I. Do not be afraid." Yes, we must always turn back to Jesus. That was the core of the preaching of the early church. That must also be the core of the preaching of the present church.