Daily Readings for May 3, 2016

Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles

1ST READING

Jesus appeared to the Apostles and many others. We probably have not experienced such a grace and blessing. God is present to us in many ways — we only need to open our eyes and minds to this reality. He is present in the sacraments, in people, in creation and others. Let this knowledge strengthen us so that we will better manifest Christ to those around us.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

1 I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. 2 Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament  proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. He has pitched a tent there for the sun, 5 [6] which comes forth like the groom from his. (R)

GOSPEL 

In John’s Gospel, Jesus declares that He speaks only about what the Father wants Him to say. He does not promote His own agenda. This is the way we must proclaim the Gospel. It is not a medium for social reform based on our own perceptions. It is proclaiming the truth of our humanity as revealed by God. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

John 14:6-14

6 Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”