Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 30, 2024
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 tells us about the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Despite facing severe persecution—being stoned and left for dead—Paul rises, continues his mission, and strengthens the faith of the disciples. The reading highlights the resilience of the early Christians and the importance of perseverance in the face of tribulations. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, as Paul and Barnabas establish leaders in each church and entrust the believers to God’s care. The reading ends with their return to Antioch, where they share the wonders God has done, showing the fruitfulness of their labor.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus offering his disciples a peace that the world cannot give. He reassures them not to be troubled or afraid, even as he prepares to leave them. Jesus explains that his departure is necessary because the Father is greater than he, and his obedience to the Father’s commandment is a testament to his love. He encourages the disciples to trust in God’s plan and to recognize that the prince of this world has no power over him. Jesus’ words are meant to strengthen the disciples’ faith, reminding them that true peace and security come from God alone.
Both readings remind us that following Christ is not without challenges. Paul’s experience shows us that tribulations are part of the journey, but they do not define us. Jesus’ promise of peace assures us that even in the midst of turmoil, we can find stability in God. These readings invite us to reflect on how we face difficulties in our own lives. Do we trust in God’s plan, or do we let fear and doubt take over? Let us remember that true peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God in our lives. May we, like Paul and the early Christians, persevere in faith and trust in the Lord’s providence.