Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 20, 2023
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 powerful messages about faith, obedience, and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the Jewish council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the council's orders, they affirm their allegiance to God, emphasizing that obedience to Him surpasses human authority. This scene highlights the early Christian church's struggle against persecution and the unwavering commitment of the Apostles to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to the theological significance of Jesus. John emphasizes Jesus' divine origin, stating that He is above all things and speaks the words of God. The passage underscores the importance of belief in Jesus for eternal life, noting that the Father has entrusted everything to the Son. This text invites us to reflect on the nature of belief and its consequences—eternal life for believers and the wrath of God for those who refuse to believe.
Both readings converge on themes of obedience and belief. The Apostles in Acts exemplify obedience to God despite persecution, while John's Gospel calls us to believe in Jesus as the path to eternal life. These messages encourage us to evaluate our own commitment to faith. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our allegiance to God. Will we stand firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, or will we succumb to the pressures of the world? The readings remind us that true faith requires courage and trust in God's plan.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider the state of our own faith. Are we willing to face challenges head-on, trusting in God's wisdom? The consequence of unbelief is separation from God, while belief offers us eternal life. Let us strive to live out our faith with the same courage as the Apostles, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. May our commitment to God guide us in all our decisions, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him.