Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 4, 2021
First Reading: Acts 14.19-28
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Psalm 145
1I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.2Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.3Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.4One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.5They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.6They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.7They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.8The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.9The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.10All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.11They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,12so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.14The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.16You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.19He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.20The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.21My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Gospel: John 14.27-31a
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.28"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, perseverance, and the peace that comes from trusting in God. The first reading from Acts recounts the trials of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rises again to continue his mission, strengthening the disciples and establishing communities of faith. This passage reminds us that the journey of following Christ is not without its challenges, but it is through these trials that we grow in faith and deepen our commitment to the Lord. The second reading from John’s Gospel offers a message of peace and trust. Jesus reassures his disciples that though he must leave them, he leaves them with a peace that the world cannot give. He encourages them to trust in his love and to remain faithful, knowing that he is always with them.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of trust, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith. Paul’s resilience in the face of persecution mirrors Jesus’ own trust in the Father’s will, even as he faced the cross. Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges in our own lives. Do we allow fear or doubt to overwhelm us, or do we draw strength from the peace and love that Christ offers? The readings remind us that our faith is not a shield from suffering but a source of strength to endure it with hope and courage.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain? How can I, like Paul, rise above setbacks and continue to serve others with joy and perseverance? And how can I, like the disciples, receive the peace that Christ offers and share it with a world in need? May these readings inspire us to live with greater faith, deeper trust, and a heart open to the will of God. Let us remember that the peace of Christ is not the absence of trials but the presence of God in the midst of them.