Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 26, 2023
First Reading: Acts 24.27; 25.13b-21
27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
13Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.14And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.16I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.17So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.18When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.19Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.20Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.21But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Gospel: John 21.15-19
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."16He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
Sermon
The first reading from Acts and the Gospel of John present us with two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, leadership, and the call to follow Christ. In the first reading, we see Paul, a prisoner of faith, caught in the midst of political and religious tensions. Festus, the Roman governor, seeks to navigate the complexities of Paul’s case, unsure of how to resolve the disputes between the Jewish leaders and this man who speaks of a risen Jesus. The reading highlights the challenges of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with uncertainty and opposition. Paul’s situation reminds us that living out our faith can sometimes lead to trials, but it is in these moments that our commitment to the truth is tested and refined.
In the Gospel, we encounter a deeply personal and emotional exchange between Jesus and Peter. After the Resurrection, Jesus meets Peter by the shore and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” This exchange is not merely about testing Peter’s devotion but about restoring him after his earlier betrayal. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commissions him to “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep,” entrusting him with the care of His people. This dialogue is a profound reminder that our love for Christ is not abstract but must be lived out in service to others. Peter’s calling to leadership, despite his flaws, shows us that God’s grace can transform our weaknesses into strengths when we surrender to His will.
Both readings call us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we are invited to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God’s plan is at work even when we cannot see it. Like Peter, we are called to love Christ deeply and to express that love through service to others. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are all called to “feed His sheep” by sharing His love, compassion, and truth. Today, let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in the midst of life’s trials? How am I serving others as Christ has served me? May we, like Paul and Peter, trust in God’s grace and follow Him faithfully, even when the path is uncertain.