Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the second week of Easter, April 18th, 2026

Delivered by Clifford Erikson Kuandang from the Parish of Saint Vincentius a Paulo in the Diocese of Malang, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-7; Rs psalm 33: 1-2.4-5.18-19; John 6: 16-21.PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BALANCE The theme for our meditation today is: Physical andSpiritual Balance. The resurrection of Christ is very rich with inspirationsthat lead us to a meaningful and perfect life. One element of the teachings ofresurrection is about our beings and our activities in space and time thatsustain the physical and spiritual balance of our lives. Our bodies and soulsneed to be treated equally important because we need an integral growth ashuman persons with dignity and what God actually wants us to be. When one spends most of the times on spiritualmatters, he will find himself avoidingother times for interaction with other people, working for a living, and engagein cooperation for environmental and social development. On the contrary, ifone spends most of his times working, interacting with others, and buildingbusinesses, he will have only few times for rest, reflection, prayer, renewalof spirit and perspective about life. Likewise, when it comes to using the place. When onegives preference only to a place that is quiet, calm, closed, or separated, heor she will be reluctant to an open or wide space where interaction,communication, and collaboration normally taken place. Whereas, those who arepreoccupied only with places where busy hours, gatherings, meetings,associations, and multy-level connections angaged, they will have difficulty tofind places for reflection, personal or intimate relationship and prayer. The work and ministry of the early Church, andespecially the one done by the first apostle, Peter, indeed showed thatphysical activities were important and absolutely needed. In order to reachmore places and people then eventually brought them to Christ, Peter should putall his efforts and sacrifices in spreading the Gospel. He should meet manypeople, teaching and convincing them on the Gospel he preached. He should workhard and was ready for any consequences. But Peter also had the responsibilityto be the sign of unity among thepreachers, evangelists, and bearers of good news of the Gospel. He shouldmaintain their faith and spirit of work. He should make sure that all hisco-workers, had undoubted integrity as the workers of the Lord's vineyard. Their missions to the rest of the world, and what isnormally happened with all the Church's workers until today, shows that allsupporting goods and materials are so vital. It is absolutely true that all thefacilities, tools, funds, culture and social life are very basic conditions forthe success of the Church's mission in whatever part of the world. Meanwhile,the spirit and living examples originated from the work of the Holy Spirit alsodetermine the goal of the mission itself. That's where the balance of physicaland spiritual aspects should be well maintained. Let us continue to ask forGod's power to perfect what Church has done and achieved so far in realizingher great mission. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... Almighty and ever living God, strengthen ourfaith so that we may live in balance between the physical and spiritualbenefits in our journey of faith. Hail Mary, full of grace ... In the name ofthe Father …