Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 30, 2024
First Reading: Acts 14.19-28
19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.28And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Psalm 145
1I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.5I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.6And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.7They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.10All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.11They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;12To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.15The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.16Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.20The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.21My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Gospel: John 14.27-31a
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts tells us about the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Despite facing severe persecution—being stoned and left for dead—Paul rises, continues his mission, and strengthens the faith of the disciples. The reading highlights the resilience of the early Christians and the importance of perseverance in the face of tribulations. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, as Paul and Barnabas establish leaders in each church and entrust the believers to God’s care. The reading ends with their return to Antioch, where they share the wonders God has done, showing the fruitfulness of their labor.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus offering his disciples a peace that the world cannot give. He reassures them not to be troubled or afraid, even as he prepares to leave them. Jesus explains that his departure is necessary because the Father is greater than he, and his obedience to the Father’s commandment is a testament to his love. He encourages the disciples to trust in God’s plan and to recognize that the prince of this world has no power over him. Jesus’ words are meant to strengthen the disciples’ faith, reminding them that true peace and security come from God alone.
Both readings remind us that following Christ is not without challenges. Paul’s experience shows us that tribulations are part of the journey, but they do not define us. Jesus’ promise of peace assures us that even in the midst of turmoil, we can find stability in God. These readings invite us to reflect on how we face difficulties in our own lives. Do we trust in God’s plan, or do we let fear and doubt take over? Let us remember that true peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God in our lives. May we, like Paul and the early Christians, persevere in faith and trust in the Lord’s providence.