Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 23, 2020
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 the essence of faith and obedience. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 presents Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the threat of death, they affirm their commitment to obeying God over men, testifying to Jesus' resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This scene underscores the early Christian church's perseverance amidst persecution, highlighting the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine nature and His role as a witness to the Father. Jesus, coming from above, speaks of heavenly truths, offering eternal life to believers. John emphasizes that faith in Jesus is paramount, distinguishing those who accept God's truth from those who reject it. This passage invites us to consider the profound implications of believing in Jesus and the eternal consequences of such belief.
These readings intersect in their emphasis on obedience to God and the significance of testimony. Both narratives call us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, we may encounter challenges that test our commitment to our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in the face of opposition. As we navigate life's trials, let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Jesus, remembering that our faith is a testament to God's enduring love and truth. May we embrace the courage to live out our beliefs, trusting in God's providence and remaining faithful witnesses in a world that often resists the Gospel.