Daily Readings for May 9, 2016

1ST READING

 

Everything does not always run smoothly as we work for the Kingdom of God. The Ephesians heard part of the Gospel but they knew nothing about the Holy Spirit. Such is the nature of the Gospel message in its initial stages — many people doing what they can with what they know, trying to be faithful to God. This is why order and communion are necessary parts of living the Gospel. We need the gifts of others to complement our own; we need the order and structure of the Church’s authority to organize the various tasks so that we do not miss what is important.

Acts 19:1-8

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” 4 Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 Altogether there were about twelve men. 8 He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the kingdom of God.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. 2 [3] As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire. (R) 3 [4] But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 4 [5] Sing to God, chant praise to his name, whose name is the Lord. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus knows that He will face difficult times. Even His closest companions will abandon Him. Jesus pushes on despite the difficulties. Let His example strengthen us to endure our own trials. If the Son of God suffered for our sake, then we should be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

John 16:29-33

29 The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”