Daily Readings for April 27, 2017

1ST READING

In today’s reading, we learn from Peter the importance of obeying God’s commands. One of the challenges Christians face today is a secular government that is experimenting with all sorts of social engineering contrary to the Gospel. We must take a stand for the truth according to our faith and morality that may be contrary to what the government requires us to follow. Let us proceed with love and firmness in what we believe is true.

Acts 5:27-33

27 When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20

R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 19 [20] Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. (R)

GOSPEL

There are times when we experience points of no return in life. A scientist would call these bifurcation points, places where we cannot know in advance the future of the process. This is true of our faith. Jesus reminds His disciples that they have a choice — to accept His testimony to God’s love or reject it.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

John 3:31-36

31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 34 For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.