It is 29th April 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church. The readings are from Acts 6:1-7 and the Gospel from Jn.6:16-21. The first reading clarifies the dilemma of the Apostles whether to serve the Word to God’s people or to serve the poor in feeding their physical hunger. In this context, the deacons were appointed to take care of needs of the poor as the church delivers the message of Love, Peace and Compassion. Hungry person is indeed an angry person. When physical needs are deprived in a person, the higher levels of needs cannot be met easily. People find it hard to listen to the Word of God when they are hungry physically. In the 1st reading we heard about the Hellenists complaining against the Hebrews. Until now what we had been hearing was a united and loving early Christian community. The situations change even in the church and spiritual settings. People gossip, and complain and destroy the unity of the church when they forget who they need to prioritize. When our preferences in serving for popularity and positions, we neglect or choose to forget the poor and the most vulnerable amidst us. We refuse to accept corrections and a new perspective in times of pain and confusion. It is for God whom we serve. Winds of support and encouragements change by time and situation; yet our priority for the people who are less fortunate must be given the utmost priority. Serving the poor is indeed the signs of the times parallels the preaching of the Word. We cannot neglect one over the other. The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.” (Ps.32:22). The Gospel encourages us not to be afraid of wind and rough sea in the walks of lives. Whatever the confusing, painful and distressful situation we are in, Jesus walks on towards us and leads us all to experience above the mighty waters that threaten our unity and peace of mind. “It is I, Do not be afraid.” (Jn.6:20). Jesus wants to fill us with his Body and Blood before he invites to listen to Him. Let the Eucharist satisfy our hunger so as to be filled by His nourishing and healing Words of Jesus. May you have a good day.