Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 22, 2023
First Reading: Acts 19.1-8
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?John's baptism," they replied.4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7There were about twelve men in all.8Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Psalm 68
1May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.2As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.3But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.4Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds - his name is the LORD - and rejoice before him.5A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.6God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.7When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah8the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.9You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.10Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.11The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:12"Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.13Even while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."14When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.15The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.16Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?17The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.18When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from the rebellious- that you, O LORD God, might dwell there.19Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah20Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.21Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.22The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,23that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."24Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.25In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.26Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.27There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.28Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.29Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.30Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.31Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.32Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah33to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.34Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.35You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Gospel: John 16.29-33
29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."31"You believe at last!" Jesus answered.32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and through the laying on of hands, they experience the Spirit's descent, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying. This episode underscores the transition from John's baptism of repentance to the fullness of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, highlighting the Spirit's empowering role in the early church.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He acknowledges their growing faith but warns of impending scattering, reassuring them that He is never alone, as the Father is always with Him. Jesus offers these words to foster peace and confidence, reminding them that despite the world's challenges, He has already overcome them.
These readings connect through themes of the Holy Spirit and trust in God's presence. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers for mission, while in John, Jesus assures His disciples of peace and victory. Together, they invite us to embrace the Spirit's empowerment and trust in God's providence, even amidst life's trials.
In our daily lives, let us remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative power, seeking His guidance and strength. May we face challenges with the confidence that God is with us, granting us peace and overcoming the world's difficulties. This assurance calls us to live courageously, trusting in God's presence and promises.