Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 29, 2024
First Reading: Acts 14.5-18
5When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,6they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,7and there they continued to preach the gospel.8Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.9He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,10said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking.11And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.13And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,15"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.16In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.17Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."18Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.
Psalm 115
1Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!2Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"3Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.4Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.5They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.6They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.7They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.8Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.9O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.10O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.11You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.12The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;13he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.14May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!15May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!16The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.17The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.18But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!
Gospel: John 14.21-26
21Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?"23Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.25"These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first, from Acts, tells of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, where a miraculous healing leads to a misunderstanding. The crowd, in awe, mistakes them for gods, prompting Paul and Barnabas to correct them, emphasizing their humanity and pointing to the one true God. This scene highlights the apostles' humility and their commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of idolatrous confusion.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus discusses the essence of love and obedience. He explains that loving Him means keeping His commandments, which in turn invites the Father's love and His own manifestation. Jesus also addresses Judas's query about why He won't reveal Himself to the world, underscoring that true revelation comes through obedience and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and those who follow Him, a relationship sustained by love and obedience.
Both readings converge on the theme of divine presence and its correct acknowledgment. While the crowd in Acts misidentifies the divine, Jesus in John reveals that true divine presence is experienced through love and obedience. These narratives remind us to seek God not in fleeting signs but in consistent, faithful living. They encourage us to avoid idolatry, whether literal or metaphorical, and to nurture a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer and obedience.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to remain grounded in faith, recognizing God's presence in all moments, both ordinary and extraordinary. True faith is not about seeking miracles but about living according to God's will. Let us focus on cultivating a relationship with God that is rooted in love and obedience, avoiding distractions and false idols, and embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives.