Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 21, 2023
First Reading: Acts 5.34-42
34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Gospel: John 6.1-15
1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons of faith and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Acts 5:34-42 introduces Gamaliel, a wise Pharisee who advises the council to wait and discern whether the apostles' work is of God. His counsel emphasizes patience and trust in God's plan, teaching us to avoid hasty judgments and instead seek divine guidance. The second reading, from John 6:1-15, recounts the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish. This miracle illustrates God's abundant provision and the importance of trusting in His goodness, even when resources seem insufficient.
The context of these readings highlights pivotal moments in the early church and Jesus' ministry. In Acts, the early church faces persecution, and Gamaliel's speech is a crucial moment of caution against opposing the apostles without understanding God's will. In John, the feeding miracle is part of the Bread of Life discourse, emphasizing Jesus as the source of spiritual nourishment. Both readings underscore the theme of trusting in God's timing and provision.
Applying these lessons to our lives, we are reminded to approach challenges with faith and discernment. When faced with uncertainty, we should seek God's will patiently, just as Gamaliel advised. Similarly, in times of need, we trust in God's abundance, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000. The moral lesson here is clear: cultivate faith and trust in God's plan, knowing that His timing and provision are perfect. Let us embrace this wisdom, living with patience and trust, secure in the knowledge of God's loving care.