Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 30, 2022
First Reading: Acts 19.1-8
1And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.2And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."4And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.7There were about twelve men in all.8And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
Psalm 68
1God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!2As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!3But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!4Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him!5Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.6God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.7O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah8the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.9Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad; you restored your inheritance as it languished;10your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.11The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:12"The kings of the armies--they flee, they flee!" The women at home divide the spoil--13though you men lie among the sheepfolds--the wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with shimmering gold.14When the Almighty scatters kings there, let snow fall on Zalmon.15O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!16Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?17The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.18You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.19Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah20Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.21But God will strike the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways.22The Lord said, "I will bring them back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,23that you may strike your feet in their blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe."24Your procession is seen, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary--25the singers in front, the musicians last, between them virgins playing tambourines:26"Bless God in the great congregation, the LORD, O you who are of Israel's fountain!"27There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.28Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.29Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you.30Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.31Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.32O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah33to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.34Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.35Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel--he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Gospel: John 16.29-33
29His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!30Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."31Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that illuminate the role of the Holy Spirit and the nature of faith amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts 19:1-8 describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. These disciples, followers of John the Baptist, were baptized only with John's baptism of repentance. Paul explains that John's baptism was a precursor to belief in Jesus, leading them to be baptized in Jesus' name. Through Paul's laying on of hands, they receive the Holy Spirit, manifesting in speaking in tongues and prophesying. This event highlights the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the progression of faith from preparation to fulfillment.
The Gospel reading from John 16:29-33 shifts focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where He assures His disciples of peace and victory despite impending challenges. The disciples acknowledge Jesus' divine origin, and He affirms their faith. Jesus forewarns them of scattering and isolation but reassures them of the Father's presence. He encourages them to have confidence, for He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in providing peace and the strength to face adversity.
Both readings converge on the Holy Spirit's transformative power. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers, while in John, the Spirit offers peace and reassurance. This duality reminds us to seek the Spirit's presence in our lives, embracing both empowerment and peace. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in God's support and recognize the stages of our faith journey, much like the disciples who moved from John's baptism to a deeper commitment to Jesus. Let us remain open to the Spirit's guidance, finding strength in our faith and peace amidst turmoil.