Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 16, 2022
First Reading: Acts 14.5-18
5Now when an assault had been planned by the Gentiles and the Jews with their leaders, so that they might treat them with contempt and stone them6they, realizing this, fled together to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the entire surrounding region.7And they were evangelizing in that place.8And a certain man was sitting at Lystra, disabled in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked9This man heard Paul speaking. And Paul, gazing at him intently, and perceiving that he had faith, so that he might be healed10said with a loud voice, "Stand upright upon your feet!" And he leaped up and walked around11But when the crowds had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian language, saying, "The gods, having taken the likenesses of men, have descended to us!12And they called Barnabas, ‘Jupiter,’ yet truly they called Paul, ‘Mercury,’ because he was the lead speaker13Also, the priest of Jupiter, who was outside the city, in front of the gate, bringing in oxen and garlands, was willing to offer sacrifice with the people14And as soon as the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul, had heard this, tearing their tunics, they leapt into the crowd, crying ou15and saying: "Men, why would you do this? We also are mortals, men like yourselves, preaching to you to be converted, from these vain things, to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them16In previous generations, he permitted all nations to walk in their own ways17But certainly, he did not leave himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness."18And by saying these things, they were barely able to restrain the crowds from immolating to them
Psalm 115
1Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory2Give glory to your mercy and your truth, lest the Gentiles should say, "Where is their God?3But our God is in heaven. All things whatsoever that he has willed, he has done4The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men5They have mouths, and do not speak; they have eyes, and do not see6They have ears, and do not hear; they have noses, and do not smell7They have hands, and do not feel; they have feet, and do not walk. Neither will they cry out with their throat8Let those who make them become like them, along with all who trust in them9The house of Israel has hoped in the Lord. He is their helper and their protector10The house of Aaron has hoped in the Lord. He is their helper and their protector11Those who fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord. He is their helper and their protector12The Lord has been mindful of us, and he has blessed us. He has blessed the house of Israel. He has blessed the house of Aaron13He has blessed all who fear the Lord, the small with the great14May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your sons15Blessed are you by the Lord, who made heaven and earth16The heaven of heaven is for the Lord, but the earth he has given to the sons of men17The dead will not praise you, Lord, and neither will all those who descend into Hell18But we who live will bless the Lord, from this time forward, and even forever
Gospel: John 14.21-26
21Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them: it is he who loves me. And whoever loves me shall be loved by my Father. And I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.22Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him: "Lord, how does it happen that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?23Jesus responded and said to him: "If anyone loves me, he shall keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make our dwelling place with him24Whoever does not love me, does not keep not my words. And the word that you have heard is not of me, but it is of the Father who sent me25These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will suggest to you everything whatsoever that I have said to you
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, humility, and the transformative power of God’s love. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas facing persecution and fleeing to Lystra, where they encounter a lame man who is healed through Paul’s faith. The crowd, in awe of the miracle, mistakenly worships them as gods. Yet, Paul and Barnabas quickly correct them, insisting that they are mere mortals and pointing the people to the one true God. This passage highlights the missionaries’ humility and their unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of misunderstanding and danger.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the relationship between love, obedience, and the presence of God. He explains that those who love him will keep his commandments, and in turn, the Father will love them. Jesus also promises that he and the Father will dwell with those who keep his word. This teaching emphasizes that love for God is not just a feeling but is expressed through actions—specifically, through obedience to his teachings. Jesus also hints at the role of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and remind the disciples of all that Jesus has taught them.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not about seeking glory for ourselves but about humbly pointing others to God. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to live with humility and integrity, recognizing that any good we do is a gift from God. At the same time, Jesus’ words in the Gospel challenge us to examine how we express our love for him through our actions. Do we keep his commandments? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in living out our faith? Let us strive to live in such a way that our lives reflect God’s love and truth, and may we always remember that our ultimate dwelling place is with him.