Acts 6:1-7 / John 6:16-21 (2023)
Different situations and circumstances can alter the behaviour of a person or a group of people.
When things are calm and under control, we would also behave calmly and we would also be in control of things.
But when chaos and panic happens, and when things are not under control, then it is going to be a different situation.
Like when we are on a small boat and the wind is strong and the sea is rough. And then we see someone walking on the water.
Even if we are quite certain that is Jesus who is walking on the water, that is not the time to be awed or fascinated about it.
Simply because the situation is tensed, and that is also not the time to appreciate such divine feats.
Hence we can understand why the disciples were frightened. The situation has changed their behaviour from normal to one that is beyond their control.
Similarly, 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.
Yet it is the reality of life in that when situations change, the behaviour of people also will change.
And that is also the reality of our lives. Yet we don't have to be in chaos and panic whenever the situation is out of control.
What we need to know is that God is in control. He can walk calmly on water even when the winds are strong and the sea is rough.
Jesus wants to walk into the center of our hearts. When Jesus is in the center, then all things will come together and put under control.