Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 23, 2025
First Reading: Acts 15.22-31
22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.30So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:31Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Psalm 57
1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.3He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.6They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Gospel: John 15.12-17
12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.17These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful themes of unity, love, and the essence of Christian living. The first reading from Acts 15:22-31 recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church addressed the inclusion of Gentile converts. The Apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, resolved the conflict by establishing essential guidelines, emphasizing love and unity over division. This moment was pivotal, showing the Church's ability to navigate differences and grow harmoniously.
The Gospel from John 15:12-17 shifts focus to Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, where He commands us to love one another as He loved us. Jesus redefines the disciples as friends, not servants, sharing His Father’s truths with them. This intimate teaching underscores the depth of God’s love and our role as bearers of this love. Jesus’ commandment is clear: love is the hallmark of His followers.
Both readings highlight the importance of unity and love. The early Church’s decision in Acts was rooted in Jesus’ teachings, demonstrating how love and unity can overcome discord. In our lives, we face similar challenges, whether in personal relationships or community conflicts. The readings remind us to approach these situations with selfless love, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides. Jesus’ example calls us to prioritize love, even when it requires sacrifice. Let us strive to embody this love, fostering harmony and reflecting God’s grace in all we do.