Daily Readings for May 14, 2018

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

1st READING

Matthias is chosen to replace Judas in the Twelve. Today’s reading shows how important the Twelve were to the Early Church. The Apostles have the authority to expand the work of the Church and were formed by Jesus to do this mission. From this began a tradition to continue the Church’s mission, by handing down authority in an orderly and organized manner. Churches and communities that split from the Catholic Church cut themselves off from the root of the Apostles. May we strive to maintain unity in the Church.

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

15 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, 16 “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. 20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it. And: May another take his office. 21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

P S A L M 

Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

1 Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. (R) 3 From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised. 4 High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory. (R) 5 Who is like the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high 6 and looks upon the heavens and the earth below? (R) 7 He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor 8 to seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people. (R) 

GOSPEL 

Jesus exhorts us to remain in God’s love. Our love for the Father unites us. The Greek word menai (root word of “remain”) also means to abide in and immerse oneself in. This is the relationship Jesus wants us to have with the Trinity — to immerse ourselves in their love and mercy, and let this immersion transform us. But God’s love can compel us to surrender completely to Him.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

John 15:9-17

9 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 13 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.”