Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 8, 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, divine presence, and the essence of discipleship. The first reading from Acts 14:5-18 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face persecution but also perform a miraculous healing. A lame man, hearing Paul, is healed through his faith, leading the crowd to mistakenly worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas humbly correct them, emphasizing their mortality and the one true God. This episode highlights the challenges of spreading the Gospel and the importance of humility in the face of divine power.
In the Gospel, John 14:21-26, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the criteria for loving Him—keeping His commandments. He promises that the Father and He will dwell with those who love Him, and the Holy Spirit will guide them. This passage underscores the internal presence of God in believers, achieved through love and obedience. It contrasts with the external, mistaken worship in Acts, showing that true divine presence is experienced internally through faith and adherence to God's will.
These readings remind us to trust in God's presence and provision, even amidst challenges. Like Paul and Barnabas, we must remain humble and faithful, recognizing God's work in our lives. Jesus' words call us to a deep, loving relationship with Him, expressed through obedience. As we navigate life's trials, may we trust in God's presence, stay humble, and keep His commandments, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. This faith and love will manifest God's presence in our hearts and lives.