Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 9, 2023
First Reading: Acts 14.19-28
19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.20But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.24Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.25And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,26and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they remained no little time with the disciples.
Psalm 145
1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.2Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.4One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.6They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.7They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.8The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.10All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,12to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]14The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.16You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.19He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.20The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Gospel: John 14.27-31a
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts 14:19-28 describes Paul's missionary journey, where he faces intense persecution, including being stoned and left for dead. Despite this, he miraculously survives and continues his work, establishing churches and strengthening the faith of the disciples. This passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of severe trials. The context is set during Paul's first missionary journey, where he and Barnabas face opposition from Jewish communities but also experience the joy of converting Gentiles to the faith. The reading emphasizes the importance of perseverance and trust in God's providence, even when faced with suffering.
The Gospel reading from John 14:27-31a shifts the focus to Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He offers words of comfort to His disciples. Jesus promises them His peace, which is different from the world's peace, and reassures them not to be troubled or afraid. He explains that His departure is necessary because the Father is greater than He, and He acts in obedience to the Father's command. This passage is set in the Upper Room during the Last Supper, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and the challenges they will face. The reading underscores the theme of trust in God's plan and the gift of peace that comes from faith in Him.
Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme: trust in God's plan and the strength to face challenges with faith. Paul's resilience in the face of persecution mirrors Jesus' obedience to the Father's will. The readings remind us that life is not without its trials, but through faith, we can find peace and perseverance. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this same spirit of trust and courage. When we face difficulties, we can draw strength from God's promise of peace and remember that our ultimate hope is in Him. Let us strive to live out our faith with the same dedication and trust that Paul and Jesus exemplified, knowing that God's grace will sustain us through all tribulations.