Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 23, 2024
First Reading: Acts 11.19-26
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Psalm 87
1He has set his foundation on the holy mountain;2the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.3Glorious things are said of you, O city of God: Selah4"I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me- Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush - and will say, 'This one was born in Zion.'"5Indeed, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her."6The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: "This one was born in Zion." Selah7As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."
Gospel: John 10.22-30
22Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.30I and the Father are one."
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the unity that comes from following Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community expanding beyond Jerusalem, as believers scattered by persecution carry the Gospel to new lands. Barnabas, a man filled with the Holy Spirit, is sent to Antioch to support this growing community. There, he finds joy in the grace of God at work and encourages the people to remain steadfast in their faith. This passage highlights the importance of perseverance and the role of compassionate leadership in nurturing the faith of others. It also shows how the Church, even in its early days, was called to be inclusive, reaching out to people of different backgrounds.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks during the Feast of the Dedication, a time when Jews celebrated the rededication of the Temple. Surrounded by questions and doubts, Jesus reaffirms his identity as the Messiah and explains the intimate relationship he shares with his Father. He describes his followers as his sheep, who hear his voice and trust in his care. This passage invites us to reflect on our own relationship with Christ. Do we truly listen to his voice? Do we trust in his promise of eternal life? Jesus’ words remind us that our faith is not just about intellectual assent but about a deep, personal connection with him, one that gives us the strength to persevere through life’s challenges.
Today’s readings call us to live as true disciples of Christ, trusting in his guidance and remaining faithful even when faced with uncertainty. Just as the early Church in Antioch grew because of the courage of believers and the leadership of Barnabas, we too can contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom by sharing the Gospel with others and living with integrity. Let us strive to be like Christ’s sheep, attentive to his voice and confident in the love and protection he offers. May we, like Barnabas, be sources of encouragement and hope for those around us, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace.