Reflection for Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

April 18, 2026

Today’s liturgy presents a profound transition from the internal organisation of the early Church to the external storms of life, anchored by the unshakeable mercy of God. As we navigate the complexities of 2026, a world often characterised by rapid digital change, social division, and a search for authentic purpose, these ancient texts offer a stable foundation.

The Call to Service and Order (Acts 6:1-7)

In the first reading, we see the early Church facing its first “growing pains.” There is a murmur of unfairness, widows are being overlooked. The Apostles do not ignore the practical needs, but they recognise the necessity of specialised roles. By appointing the seven deacons, they ensure that charity and the Word are both served.

In 2026, this reminds us that our faith is not just a private feeling; it requires organised, communal action. We are called to be “filled with the Spirit and with wisdom” in our daily tasks, whether we are managing a household, a business, or a ministry.

Trust Amidst the Storm (John 6:16-21)

The Gospel places us in a dark, rowing boat on a rough sea. It is a striking metaphor for the modern experience: working hard (“rowing three or four miles”) but feeling like the wind is against us. When Jesus approaches, the disciples are frightened. He offers the ultimate reassurance: “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In our current year, where global uncertainties can feel like “strong winds,” Christ’s presence is the only factor that changes the trajectory of the boat. The moment they recognise Him, they reach their destination.

Echoes in the Diary of Saint Faustina

The Responsorial Psalm cries out: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” This is the heartbeat of Saint Faustina’s mission. In her Diary, she records Jesus saying:

“The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is – trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.” (Diary, 1578)

When the disciples were in the boat, they lacked that immediate trust, falling into fear instead. Faustina’s life teaches us that the “rough sea” of the Gospel is exactly where mercy is most active. She wrote: “When a soul sees and realises the gravity of its sins… let it not despair, but with trust let it throw itself into the arms of My mercy” (Diary, 1541). This “throwing oneself” is exactly what we are called to do in 2026 when the darkness of the world feels overwhelming.

Saint Galdinus: A Shepherd for the Poor

Today we also remember Saint Galdinus (Galdino della Sala), the 12th-century Archbishop of Milan. His life perfectly bridges the First Reading and the Gospel.

• The First Reading: Much like the first deacons, Galdinus was famous for his “Bread of the Poor.” He didn’t just preach; he organised the distribution of food and resources to those impoverished by war and debt.

• The Gospel: He lived during a time of great political “storms,” defending his city against imperial overreach. Like the disciples, he had to row against strong winds, but he did so with the conviction that Christ was in the boat with him.

Galdinus shows us that in 2026, holiness is found in the balance: we must be people of deep prayer (like the Apostles) and people of radical, organised charity (like Galdinus and the Deacons).

Meditation

Close your eyes and imagine you are in that boat. Feel the spray of the water and the strain of the oars. The “darkness” might be a personal struggle, a financial worry, or a fear for the future.

• Where am I “rowing” alone right now?

• Am I afraid to let Jesus into the boat because I don’t recognise His presence in my current struggle?

• How can I, like the seven deacons, serve those around me today with “the Spirit and wisdom”?

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of this day, April 18, 2026. We thank You for the breath in our lungs and the faith in our hearts.

Father, we praise You for Your Divine Mercy, which sustains us when the seas of life grow rough. Thank You for the example of the early Church and Saint Galdinus, who remind us that Your love is seen through our service to one another.

We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who walks across every wave of fear to reach us. Thank You for the moments when You have steered our boat to safety when we thought we were lost. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit today, that we may be “full of faith” and carry Your peace into a world that so desperately needs it.

Amen.