Daily Readings for May 15, 2015

1ST READING

The Lord encourages us to speak, just as He did with Paul. The world needs to hear the Gospel. Those who forsake their faith grow in number every day and what do they get in return? Nothing! Worldly pleasures are passing away. Let us see the urgency to live and proclaim the Gospel.

Acts 18:9-18

9 One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,  “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11 He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him to the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews, “If it were a matter of some  crime or malicious fraud, I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews; 15 but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles and your own law, see to it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them away from the tribunal. 17 They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official, and beat him in full view of the tribunal. But none of this was of concern to Gallio. 18 Paul remained for quite some time, and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.

P S A L M

Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: God is king of all the earth.

1 [2] All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, 2 [3] For the Lord, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth. (R) 3 [4] He brings people under us; nations under our feet. 4 [5] He chooses for us our inheritance, the glory of Jacob, whom he loves. (R) 5 [6] God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts. 6 [7] Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Sin seems to triumph in the debates about truth and holiness. As Christians, we have to be prepared for the next battle of truth. The world’s political agenda is about pragmatism (what works) and utilitarianism (what is useful). We have to change the parameters of the debate, ensuring that the key question centers on what is true and right, not what is expedient and useful. The truth trumps all other concerns.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.

John 16:20-23

20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 22 So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. 23 On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

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