Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 6, 2018
First Reading: Acts 10.25-26, 34-35, 44-48
25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.47Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Psalm 98
1Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.3He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;5make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,6with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn- shout for joy before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.8Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;9let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Second Reading: 1 John 4.7-10
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Gospel: John 15.9-17
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.14You are my friends if you do what I command.15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.17This is my command: Love each other.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about love, unity, and the inclusive nature of God’s plan. The first reading from Acts recounts a pivotal moment in the early Church when Peter recognizes the Holy Spirit’s presence in Gentiles, leading him to baptize them. This act signifies the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, emphasizing God’s universal love. The second reading from 1 John deepens this theme, explaining that love originates from God and is exemplified through His sacrifice. The Gospel from John further elaborates, with Jesus commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, highlighting the depth of divine love and the unique friendship He offers.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of love. Acts illustrates the practical application of loving beyond boundaries, while 1 John provides the theological foundation, explaining love as a divine gift. John’s Gospel personalizes this love, showing it as a command and a pathway to friendship with Jesus. Together, they remind us that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act selflessly, reflecting God’s nature.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love. Just as Peter transcended boundaries, we should embrace diversity and unity. Recognizing love as a gift from God, we must actively demonstrate it through our actions. By following Jesus’ teachings, we become His friends, bearing fruit that lasts. Let us strive to love without limits, just as God first loved us, fostering a world united in His love.