Daily Readings for May 19, 2018

1st READING 

Paul is imprisoned in Rome for two years. This gives Paul more chances to speak with and instruct the Roman leaders, and try to evangelize the Jews to the Christian faith. Let Paul inspire us to take every opportunity to share the Gospel with others.

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M 

Psalm 11:4, 5, 7

R: The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. (R) 5 The Lord searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. 7 For the Lord is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face. (R)

GOSPEL

When it comes to faith, let our first concern be our faithfulness to God. Let us avoid comparing ourselves with others or worrying too much about them. We are responsible for our lives and our response to God’s personal call to us to be His disciples. Let us pray that we will remain faithful to the end.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.

John 21:20-25

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” 24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.