Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 17, 2020
First Reading: Acts 8.5-8, 14-17
5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.7With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.8So there was great joy in that city.14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 66
1Shout with joy to God, all the earth!2Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.4All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah5Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!6He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot- come, let us rejoice in him.7He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations- let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah8Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;9he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.10For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.11You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.12You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.13I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you-14vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.15I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah16Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.17I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.18If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;19but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.20Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3.15-18
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
Gospel: John 14.15-21
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command.16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the profound connection between faith, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, we see Philip preaching in Samaria, where many believe in Christ and receive healing. When the Apostles in Jerusalem hear of this, they send Peter and John to pray over the new believers, laying hands on them so they might receive the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights the unity of the early Church and the essential role of the Spirit in confirming faith and empowering believers.
The second reading from 1 Peter complements this by emphasizing the importance of living a life of virtue and being ready to explain the hope that is in us. Peter encourages us to suffer patiently for doing good, knowing that Christ, the Just One, suffered for our sins to reconcile us to God. This reminds us that our faith is not just a private matter but a way of life that should inspire others and bring them to Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus promises his disciples that he will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will remain with them forever. He ties this promise to their love for him, saying, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Jesus makes it clear that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to living according to his will. He also assures them that he will manifest himself to those who keep his commandments, promising a deep, abiding union with him and the Father.
These readings invite us to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the importance of living out our faith with love and integrity. Just as the early Church relied on the Spirit to guide and empower them, we too must open ourselves to the Spirit’s presence, allowing him to transform us and inspire us to live as witnesses of Christ’s love. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects the hope and joy of the Gospel? Are we open to the Spirit’s guidance in our daily lives? May we, like Philip and the early believers, allow the Spirit to work through us, bringing light and life to a world in need.