Saturday in the II Week of Easter: 18th April, 2015
Acts 6: 1-6; Jn 6: 16-21
When we get together, we will surely have misgivings and clash of opinions, unless we fail to think freely and forget our individuality. We see in the first reading today the earliest of misunderstandings and complaints that arose in the new born church! The way the apostles dealt with it, was so Christ-like.
When the sea was stirred with the storm that arose, and the hearts of those in the boat were disturbed too, Jesus walked up to them and said: It is I; do not be afraid. He assured them, the stirring will cause no damage, if you understand the Lord is with you. The storm will not upset the boat, until you know that it is the Lord who is in charge!
The Apostles were not alarmed, they were not reacting to the complaint. They knew that it was a sign the Lord was giving them for their own growth. Confusions, complaints and contradictory opinions were instrumental moments through which the Lord effected solid evolution in the Christian faith experience post resurrection.
Today in the parish communities, or in the basic christian communities or in the families or in the Religious communities, how do we look at differences of opinions? Is there a true freedom of expression? Are we matured enough to look at these as experiences of growth? That requires a true mindset of faith.