Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 2, 2019
First Reading: Acts 5.27-33
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,28saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us."29But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.
Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.16The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Gospel: John 3.31-36
31He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.32He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.33Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.34For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.35The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our commitment to faith and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 portrays Peter and the apostles standing resolutely before the council, refusing to cease their proclamation of Jesus' teachings. Despite the council's orders to stop, they affirm their allegiance to God, emphasizing that obedience to Him surpasses earthly authority. This scene underscores the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith amidst persecution.
The second reading, from John 3:31-36, shifts our focus to Jesus' discourse on His divine origin. Jesus, who comes from heaven, speaks of the necessity of belief in Him for eternal life. He highlights the consequences of unbelief, warning that those who do not believe will face God's wrath. This passage emphasizes the critical role of faith in Jesus as the path to salvation and eternal life.
These readings connect through their themes of obedience to God and the imperative of faith. The apostles in Acts exemplify obedience to God's will, even in the face of adversity, while John's passage underscores the divine authority of Jesus and the salvific power of belief. Together, they remind us that our faith must guide our actions and decisions, even when faced with challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan and prioritizing His will over worldly pressures. They call us to reflect on our commitment to Jesus and the consequences of our belief or unbelief. May we, like the apostles, courageously live out our faith, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. Let us embrace the truth of His divine nature and allow it to transform our lives, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with Him.