Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 17, 2025
First Reading: Acts 13.44-52
44Yet truly, on the following Sabbath, nearly the entire city came together to hear the Word of God45Then the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and they, blaspheming, contradicted the things that were being said by Paul46Then Paul and Barnabas said firmly: "It was necessary to speak the Word of God first to you. But because you reject it, and so judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles47For so has the Lord instructed us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 48Then the Gentiles, upon hearing this, were gladdened, and they were glorifying the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed were preordained to eternal life49Now the word of the Lord was disseminated throughout the entire region50But the Jews incited some devout and honest women, and the leaders of the city. And they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And they drove them away from their parts51But they, shaking the dust from their feet against them, went on to Iconium52The disciples were likewise filled with gladness and with the Holy Spirit
Psalm 98
1A Psalm of David himself. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, with his holy arm2The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations3He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. Sing and exult, and sing psalms5Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with strings and the voice of a psalmist6with subtle wind instruments and the voice of woodwinds. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king7Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it8The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together9before the presence of the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with justice, and the peoples with fairness
Gospel: John 14.7-14
7If you had known me, certainly you would also have known my Father. And from now on, you shall know him, and you have seen him.8Philip said to him, "Lord, reveal the Father to us, and it is enough for us.9Jesus said to him: "Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me? Philip, whoever sees me, also sees the Father. How can you say, ‘Reveal the Father to us?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I am speaking to you, I do not speak from myself. But the Father abiding in me, he does these works11Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me12Or else, believe because of these same works. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me shall also do the works that I do. And greater things than these shall he do, for I go to the Father13And whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son14If you shall ask anything of me in my name, that I will do
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the spread of God's message. The First Reading from Acts 13:44-52 describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the early Church's expansion beyond its initial boundaries, emphasizing God's plan to include all people. The Gentiles' joy and the disciples' empowerment by the Holy Spirit underscore the universal nature of the Gospel message.
The Gospel from John 14:7-14 shifts focus to Jesus's conversation with Philip, where He reveals His unity with the Father. Jesus emphasizes that seeing Him is seeing the Father, and He promises that believers will perform even greater works through faith. This passage invites us to deepen our relationship with God, trusting in His presence and power within us.
These readings connect through the theme of inclusion and empowerment. In Acts, the inclusion of Gentiles mirrors the spiritual inclusion offered through faith in John. Both passages encourage us to trust in God's plan and recognize His presence in our lives, just as Philip sought to see the Father.
In our daily lives, this means embracing opportunities to share God's love and remaining steadfast despite challenges. We are empowered to do greater things through faith, just as the early disciples were. The moral lesson here is the importance of perseverance, unity with God, and trusting in His power to guide and transform us.