Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 12, 2020
First Reading: Acts 14.19-28
19Now certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived there. And having persuaded the crowd, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside of the city, thinking him to be dead20But as the disciples were standing around him, he got up and entered the city. And the next day, he set out with Barnabas for Derbe21And when they had evangelized that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch22strengthening the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them that they should remain always in the faith, and that it is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations23And when they had established priests for them in each church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed24And traveling by way of Pisidia, they arrived in Pamphylia25And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perga, they went down into Attalia26And from there, they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had now accomplished27And when they had arrived and had gathered together the church, they related what great things God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles28And they remained for no small amount of time with the disciples
Psalm 145
1The Praise of David himself. I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever2Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever3The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness4Generation after generation will praise your works, and they will declare your power5They will tell of the magnificent glory of your sanctity. And they will discourse of your wonders6And they will talk about the virtue of your terrible acts. And they will describe your greatness7They will shout about the memory of your abundant sweetness. And they will exult in your justice8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works10O Lord, may all your works confess to you, and let your holy ones bless you11They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and they will declare your power12so as to make known to the sons of men your power and the glory of your magnificent kingdom13Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion is with all, from generation to generation. The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works14The Lord lifts up all who have fallen down, and he sets upright all who have been thrown down15O Lord, all eyes hope in you, and you provide their food in due time16You open your hand, and you fill every kind of animal with a blessing17The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works18The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth19He will do the will of those who fear him, and he will heed their supplication and accomplish their salvation20The Lord watches over all who love him. And he will destroy all sinners21My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name, in this time and forever and ever
Gospel: John 14.27-31a
27Peace I leave for you; my Peace I give to you. Not in the way that the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let it not fear28You have heard that I said to you: I am going away, and I am returning to you. If you loved me, certainly you would be gladdened, because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I29And now I have told you this, before it happens, so that, when it will happen, you may believe30I will not now speak at length with you. For the prince of this world is coming, but he does not have anything in me31Yet this is so that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I am acting according to the commandment that the Father has given to me. Rise up, let us go from here.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us through trials and the promise of divine peace. The first reading from Acts 14:19-28 recounts Paul's resilience after being stoned and left for dead. Miraculously, he survives and continues his missionary work, establishing leaders and sharing his experiences with the church upon his return. This passage highlights perseverance and trust in God's plan despite adversity.
The Gospel from John 14:27-31a captures Jesus' farewell words to His disciples. He offers them a peace beyond worldly understanding, urging them not to be troubled or afraid. Jesus explains His departure to the Father and the imminent arrival of the prince of the world, yet He remains steadfast in His Father's commandment. This passage emphasizes trust in God's presence and peace amidst challenges.
Both readings intertwine themes of perseverance and divine assurance. Paul's journey shows us that even in the face of persecution, faith compels us to continue our mission. Jesus' words remind us that His peace is our anchor in turbulent times. Together, they teach us to face life's challenges with courage and trust in God.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our own trials with faith. Whether facing personal struggles or societal challenges, we are reminded to trust in God's plan and find peace in His presence. The moral lesson is clear: perseverance and trust in God's peace will guide us through any tribulation, allowing us to fulfill our mission with courage and grace.