Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 26, 2024
First Reading: Acts 13.26-33
26"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.28Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.29When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.30But God raised him from the dead,31and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.32"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: "'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. '
Psalm 2
1Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.3"Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.5Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,6"I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."7I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.9You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."10Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.11Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Gospel: John 14.1-6
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.4You know the way to the place where I am going."5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we first hear Paul addressing the people of Antioch, recounting the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasizes that the leaders in Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus, leading to his death, but God's power raised him on the third day, fulfilling the promises of old. This sets the stage for the Good News of salvation through Jesus.
In the Gospel, Jesus comforts his disciples with the assurance that he will prepare a place for them in his Father's house. He affirms that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, guiding us to the Father. This passage underscores Jesus' role as our ultimate guide and source of truth.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on belief and trust in Jesus. Paul's message highlights the fulfillment of God's promises, while Jesus' words offer comfort and direction. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan and follow Jesus as our guide. In our daily lives, this means placing our faith in God's providence and seeking to follow Jesus' teachings, even in uncertain times. This trust brings us hope and purpose, as we journey towards the eternal home Jesus has prepared for us.