Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 17, 2020
First Reading: Acts 8.5-8, 14-17
5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8And there was great joy in that city.14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:16For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 66
1Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:2Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.4All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.5Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.6He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.7He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.8O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:9Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.11Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.12Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.13I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,14Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.15I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.17I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.18If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:19But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.20Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3.15-18
15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Gospel: John 14.15-21
15If ye love me, keep my commandments.16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the profound connection between faith, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, we see Philip preaching in Samaria, where many believe in Christ and receive healing. When the Apostles in Jerusalem hear of this, they send Peter and John to pray over the new believers, laying hands on them so they might receive the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights the unity of the early Church and the essential role of the Spirit in confirming faith and empowering believers.
The second reading from 1 Peter complements this by emphasizing the importance of living a life of virtue and being ready to explain the hope that is in us. Peter encourages us to suffer patiently for doing good, knowing that Christ, the Just One, suffered for our sins to reconcile us to God. This reminds us that our faith is not just a private matter but a way of life that should inspire others and bring them to Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus promises his disciples that he will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will remain with them forever. He ties this promise to their love for him, saying, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Jesus makes it clear that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to living according to his will. He also assures them that he will manifest himself to those who keep his commandments, promising a deep, abiding union with him and the Father.
These readings invite us to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the importance of living out our faith with love and integrity. Just as the early Church relied on the Spirit to guide and empower them, we too must open ourselves to the Spirit’s presence, allowing him to transform us and inspire us to live as witnesses of Christ’s love. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects the hope and joy of the Gospel? Are we open to the Spirit’s guidance in our daily lives? May we, like Philip and the early believers, allow the Spirit to work through us, bringing light and life to a world in need.