Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 28, 2022
First Reading: Acts 5.27-33
27And when they had brought them, they stood them before the council. And the high priest questioned them28and said: "We strongly order you not to teach in this name. For behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you wish to bring the blood of this man upon us.29But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: "It is necessary to obey God, more so than men30The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a tree31It is he whom God has exalted at his right hand as Ruler and Savior, so as to offer repentance and the remission of sins to Israel32And we are witnesses of these things, with the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who are obedient to him.33When they had heard these things, they were deeply wounded, and they were planning to put them to death
Psalm 34
1To David, when he changed his appearance in the sight of Abimelech, and so he dismissed him, and he went away. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will be ever in my mouth2In the Lord, my soul will be praised. May the meek listen and rejoice3Magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol his name in itself4I sought the Lord, and he heeded me, and he carried me away from all my tribulations5Approach him and be enlightened, and your faces will not be confounded6This poor one cried out, and the Lord heeded him, and he saved him from all his tribulations7The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him, and he will rescue them8Taste and see that the Lord is sweet. Blessed is the man who hopes in him9Fear the Lord, all you his saints. For there is no destitution for those who fear him10The rich have been needy and hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not be deprived of any good thing11Come forward, sons. Listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord12Which is the man who wills life, who chooses to see good days13Prohibit your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit14Turn away from evil, and do good. Inquire about peace, and pursue it15The eyes of the Lord are on the just, and his ears are with their prayers16But the countenance of the Lord is upon those who do evil, to perish the remembrance of them from the earth17The just cried out, and the Lord heard them, and he freed them from all their tribulations18The Lord is near to those who are troubled in heart, and he will save the humble in spirit19Many are the afflictions of the just, but from them all the Lord will free them20The Lord preserves all of their bones, not one of them shall be broken21The death of a sinner is very harmful, and those who hate the just will fare badly22The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, and none of those who hope in him will fare badly
Gospel: John 3.31-36
31He who comes from above, is above everything. He who is from below, is of the earth, and he speaks about the earth. He who comes from heaven is above everything32And what he has seen and heard, about this he testifies. And no one accepts his testimony33Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified that God is truthful34For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For God does not give the Spirit by measure35The Father loves the Son, and he has given everything into his hand36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. But whoever is unbelieving toward the Son shall not see life; instead the wrath of God remains upon him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their preaching despite the threats they face. Their unwavering commitment to obeying God's will over human authority highlights the early church's resilience amidst persecution. The second reading, John 3:31-36, presents Jesus' discourse on His divine origin and the imperative of belief in Him for eternal life, underscoring the profound truth of His mission as the Son of God.
Both readings converge on the themes of obedience to God and the transformative power of faith. The Apostles' defiance in the face of adversity mirrors Jesus' own unwavering dedication to His Father's will. This connection reminds us that our faith must be rooted in a deep trust in God, even when faced with challenges. The readings encourage us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith authentically, just as the Apostles did, and to embrace the eternal life offered through belief in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to stand firm in our faith, even when societal pressures or personal struggles arise. They remind us that true obedience to God's will can lead us through any trial, offering us the strength to persevere. Let us draw inspiration from the Apostles' courage and Jesus' teachings, trusting in God's plan and striving to live as witnesses of His love. May our faith be a beacon of hope, guiding us toward eternal life in Christ.