Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 13, 2017
First Reading: Acts 13.44-52
44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 98
1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Gospel: John 14.7-14
7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as disciples. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's courageous proclamation of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Despite facing envy and rejection from some, they remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan to spread His Word to all nations. The Gentiles, in particular, receive the message with joy, demonstrating the universal reach of God's salvation. Meanwhile, in the Gospel of John, Jesus deepens the disciples' understanding of His unity with the Father. He emphasizes that to know Him is to know the Father and that His works are a manifestation of the Father's presence within Him. Jesus also promises that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, as He will intercede for them with the Father.
These readings are deeply connected by the theme of mission and the revelation of God's divine plan. In Acts, we see the early Church expanding its reach beyond the Jewish community, fulfilling Jesus' command to bring the Gospel to all people. In John's Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission they will undertake after His departure, assuring them of the Father's continued presence and power through the Holy Spirit. Together, these passages remind us that we, too, are called to be bearers of God's light in the world. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced challenges but remained faithful, we are invited to embrace our role as missionaries in our own contexts, trusting in God's grace to guide and empower us.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out our faith with courage and joy. Like the Gentiles who glorified God upon hearing the Word, may our hearts be open to receiving and sharing the Good News. Like Philip, who sought a deeper understanding of the Father, may we yearn for a closer relationship with God. And like Paul and Barnabas, may we remain steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that our efforts to spread God's love are part of a larger divine plan. Let us also remember Jesus' promise that we can do greater works in His name, not through our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we, therefore, live each day with a renewed commitment to sharing God's love and trusting in His providence.