Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 27, 2019
First Reading: Acts 16.11-15
11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;12And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.13And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Psalm 149
1Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.4For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;8To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;9To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: John 15.26 – 16.4a
1These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.4But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of faith and mission. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s journey to Philippi, where he meets Lydia, a devout woman whose heart is opened by God to receive the Gospel. This encounter leads to her baptism and the beginning of a thriving Christian community. The Gospel, from John, shifts our focus to Jesus’ promise of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will testify to the truth of Jesus’ mission. Jesus also warns His disciples of the persecution they will face but assures them that the Spirit will guide and strengthen them in their witness.
The context of these readings is deeply rooted in the early Christian experience. In Acts, we see the Church expanding beyond Jerusalem, reaching Gentiles like Lydia, who becomes a symbol of openness to God’s grace. Her hospitality and faith exemplify the kind of community the early Church sought to build. In John’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for a world that will reject them, but He promises the Holy Spirit as their helper and guide. This promise is not just for the disciples but for all believers, reminding us that we are never alone in living out our faith.
These readings are connected by the theme of witnessing to the truth of God’s love. In Acts, Lydia’s conversion and hospitality bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. In John, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate witness to Jesus, enabling believers to endure trials and remain faithful. Together, these readings call us to be open to the Spirit’s guidance, to trust in God’s providence, and to live with courage and hospitality, even in the face of challenges.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the Spirit’s prompting in our lives? Do we trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain? How can we, like Lydia, welcome others into our lives and share the Good News with generosity and joy? May we embrace the Spirit’s gift of courage and truth, and may our lives bear witness to the love of Christ in all we do.