Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 13, 2018
First Reading: Acts 5.34-42
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.8My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Gospel: John 6.1-15
1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.4The Jewish Passover Feast was near.5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up,9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.14After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."15Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Sermon
**Sermon Based on Acts 5:34-42 and John 6:1-15**
**Summary of Readings:**
In Acts 5:34-42, Gamaliel advises the council to cautiousness, using historical examples to suggest that if the Apostles' work is divine, it cannot be stopped. This leads to the Apostles being beaten but continuing their mission with joy. In John 6:1-15, Jesus feeds 5000 with a boy's five loaves and two fish, demonstrating God's provision and Jesus' humility, prompting the crowd to want to make him king, leading Jesus to withdraw.
**Context and Connection:**
Acts is set in the early church, where the Apostles face persecution. Gamaliel's prudent advice is a key moment, showing some leaders were cautious rather than hostile. John's feeding miracle is a significant sign in his Gospel, highlighting Jesus' divine care for physical needs. Both readings emphasize faith and trust in God, illustrating that aligning with God's will leads to resolution of impossible situations.
**Application to Daily Life:**
These readings encourage trusting God's plan amidst uncertainty. Like Gamaliel, we should approach situations with wisdom, and like the feeding miracle, trust God's provision. Offering our little, like the boy's loaves, allows God to multiply our efforts, whether in personal challenges or serving others.
**Moral Lesson:**
The moral is about discernment and trust. We should wisely discern situations and trust God's greater plans. Like the Apostles, we may face challenges but should continue our mission with faith. Offering our resources, no matter how small, allows God to work through us, teaching us humility and reliance on His providence.