Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 26, 2023
First Reading: Acts 24.27; 25.13b-21
27When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
13A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.14Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. He said: "There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner.15When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.16"I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges.17When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in.18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.20I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.21When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."
Psalm 103
1Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.2Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:8The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;14for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;16the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.17But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-18with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.19The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.20Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.21Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.22Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Gospel: John 21.15-19
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Sermon
The first reading from Acts and the Gospel of John present us with two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, leadership, and the call to follow Christ. In the first reading, we see Paul, a prisoner of faith, caught in the midst of political and religious tensions. Festus, the Roman governor, seeks to navigate the complexities of Paul’s case, unsure of how to resolve the disputes between the Jewish leaders and this man who speaks of a risen Jesus. The reading highlights the challenges of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with uncertainty and opposition. Paul’s situation reminds us that living out our faith can sometimes lead to trials, but it is in these moments that our commitment to the truth is tested and refined.
In the Gospel, we encounter a deeply personal and emotional exchange between Jesus and Peter. After the Resurrection, Jesus meets Peter by the shore and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” This exchange is not merely about testing Peter’s devotion but about restoring him after his earlier betrayal. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commissions him to “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep,” entrusting him with the care of His people. This dialogue is a profound reminder that our love for Christ is not abstract but must be lived out in service to others. Peter’s calling to leadership, despite his flaws, shows us that God’s grace can transform our weaknesses into strengths when we surrender to His will.
Both readings call us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we are invited to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God’s plan is at work even when we cannot see it. Like Peter, we are called to love Christ deeply and to express that love through service to others. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are all called to “feed His sheep” by sharing His love, compassion, and truth. Today, let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in the midst of life’s trials? How am I serving others as Christ has served me? May we, like Paul and Peter, trust in God’s grace and follow Him faithfully, even when the path is uncertain.