Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 29, 2023
First Reading: Acts 9.31-42
31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Psalm 116
1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:11I said in my haste, All men are liars.12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.14I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.18I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,19In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: John 6.53, 60-69
53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful expressions of faith and the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts describes how the early Church, though facing challenges, was strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Peter, an apostle, performs two miracles: healing a paralytic man named Aeneas and raising a devout disciple named Tabitha from the dead. These miracles not only demonstrate God’s power but also lead to conversions, showing how faith in action can inspire others to turn to the Lord.
The Gospel reading from John presents a challenging teaching by Jesus, where He emphasizes that eating His flesh and drinking His blood is necessary for eternal life. This teaching was difficult for many of His disciples, leading some to abandon Him. Yet, in the face of this challenge, Peter’s response stands out: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Peter’s unwavering faith serves as a model for us when we encounter teachings or circumstances that test our understanding or comfort.
These readings remind us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived commitment to trusting in God’s plan, even when it is difficult. Like Peter, we are called to deepen our faith and to trust in the Lord’s words, which are spirit and life. In our daily lives, let us ask for the grace to embrace the challenges of following Christ, knowing that it is the Spirit who gives us the strength to live as disciples. May we, like the early Church, be witnesses of God’s power and love, bringing hope and light to those around us.