Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 18, 2023
First Reading: Acts 18.1-8
1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
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 16.16-20
16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.17Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.19Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?20Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts tells us about Paul’s ministry in Corinth, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish exiles from Rome, and works with them as tentmakers. Despite facing opposition in the synagogue, Paul remains steadfast in preaching the Gospel, and many Corinthians come to believe and are baptized. The reading highlights Paul’s resilience and trust in God’s plan, even in the face of rejection. The Gospel from John presents Jesus comforting his disciples with the promise that though they will mourn his departure, their sorrow will turn to joy. Jesus is preparing them for his return to the Father and the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them in his absence.
Both readings speak to the theme of transition and trust in God’s plan. In Acts, Paul’s ministry shifts from the synagogue to the Gentiles, showing how God’s plan unfolds even when human efforts seem to fail. In John, Jesus assures his disciples that his departure is not an end but a new beginning, one that will bring them joy beyond their current sorrow. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in trust, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of transition or rejection, just like Paul and the disciples. These readings invite us to embrace such moments with faith, knowing that God is always at work. Like Paul, we can remain steadfast in our mission, even when faced with opposition. And like the disciples, we can trust that our sorrow will be transformed into joy, not because the pain disappears, but because God’s presence remains with us. Let us, therefore, approach life’s challenges with courage and hope, trusting that God’s plan will bring light out of darkness and joy out of sorrow.