Daily Readings for May 16, 2017

1ST READING

Paul continued his mission despite another brush with death. He returned to Antioch and shared with the community the joy of seeing people open their hearts to the faith. Joy is what keeps an evangelist going. The call of God is compelling, but seeing the fruit of one’s ministry is also a strong motivation. Let us remember to be grateful to Christ for using us in building His Kingdom.

Acts 14:19-28

19 In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city. On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. 22 They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” 23 They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. 24 Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia. 25 After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. 27 And when they arrived, they called the Church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

P S A L M

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 21

R: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

10 Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. (R) 12 Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (R) 21 May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus affirmed in today’s Gospel that the “ruler of this world” has no more power over us. We have been freed from the powers of the world and sin. Let us rejoice that we are free to live as children of the light. This is at the heart of the Christian Gospel – we are no longer in darkness because of sin but we have been set free to live a full life as disciples of Jesus. May this bring great joy to our hearts.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.

John 14: 27-31

27 Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. 30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

Daily Readings for May 15, 2017

1ST READING

Paul faced the threat of death many times as he proclaimed the Gospel. This reminds us that hardships come as we serve the Lord. Some people expect God to bless them with an easy and prosperous life because they follow Him. Jesus was obedient to His Father and never sinned but He ended up on a cross. The saints also suffered greatly at the hands of both good and bad people, and many of them were martyred like Jesus. They are the models of our faith.

Acts 14:5-18

5 There was an attempt in Iconium by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their leaders, to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas. 6 They realized it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside, 7 where they continued to proclaim the Good News. 8 At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth, who had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed, 10 and called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.” He jumped up and began to walk about. 11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in human form.” 12 They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,” because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice. 14 The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, 15 “Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; 17 yet, in bestowing his goodness, he did not leave himself without witness, for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with nourishment  and gladness for your hearts.” 18 Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.

P S A L M

Psalm 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

R: Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name give glory because of your mercy, because of your truth. 2 Why should the pagans say, “Where is their God?” (R) 3 Our God is in heaven; whatever he wills, he does. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the handiwork of men.  (R) 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 16 Heaven is the heaven of the Lord, but the earth he has given to the children of men. (R)

GOSPEL

The Father sent the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. This means that the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit to us. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of what Jesus has taught us. The Holy Spirit will keep us in the truth if we listen to His guiding voice. We need to discern the truth from the many different opinions that the world gives us. Let us stand firm as disciples and reject temptations that the world offers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

John 14:21-26

21 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22 Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 “I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name — he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Daily Readings for May 14, 2017

Fifth Sunday of Easter

1ST READING

There are many different roles in God’s mission field. He has gifted us with graces and charisms to fulfill our respective roles in the work of the Kingdom. Let us faithfully do the work God has called us to do and support others in theirs. We are part of the Body of Christ and we share in the divine mission of spreading the Good News.

Acts 6:1-7

1 As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. 3 Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, 4 whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. 7 The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

P S A L M

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

R: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 18 See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. (R)

  

2ND READING

It is good to remember that God chooses us first. God has chosen to love us into being and then to redeem us through the work of His Son. We respond to His acts of love through faith. Many find it difficult to accept the truth that it is God who first loves us. Let us pray for greater humility that we may not miss the opportunities given to us to respond to the gift of salvation that God continues to offer us.

1 Peter 2:4-9

4 Beloved: Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, 5 and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in Scripture: Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame. 7 Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 and A stone that will make people stumble, and a rock that will make them fall. They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny. 9 You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

GOSPEL

Many people search for direction and meaning in their life. They search everywhere – around the world, in their own spirit and in the will of God. People today feel a profound sense of being lost. If we open our minds and hearts to God’s love and listen to His call, we will know our life’s purpose. This will lead us to true fulfillment in Christ.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me.

John 14:1-12

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. 4 Where I am going you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “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.”

Daily Readings for May 13, 2017

Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

1ST READING

Today’s reading shows two different responses to the proclamation of the Gospel – the Gentiles who welcomed it with joy and the Jews who rejected it and tried to stop Paul from proclaiming it. When we proclaim the Gospel, we will also be persecuted. We need to convince people whose hearts are closed to the truth. Let us overcome their resistance with love and mercy.

Acts 13:44-52

44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Today’s Gospel is a reflection of the Trinity relationship, especially that of the Father and the Son. To know Jesus is to know the Father. There will always be mystery behind the doctrine of the Trinity. However, we understand that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are united and they work with the same mind and heart. Let us pray for unity as we proclaim the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

John 14:7-14

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “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 Jesus, “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.”

Daily Readings for May 12, 2017

1ST READING

Forming disciples of Jesus takes a lot of work and a number of years to accomplish. Paul spent months, if not years, forming the major communities in Corinth, Galatia and others. He told the story of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection and did a lot more. It is impossible to preach a sermon, no matter how good it may be, and think the mission is complete.

Acts 13:26-33

26 When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue: “My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent. 27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath. 28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death, 29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people. 32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our fathers 33 he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.”

P S A L M

Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11

R: You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

6 “I myself have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.” (R) 8 “Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession. 9 You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” (R) 10 And now, O kings, give heed; take warning, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him; with trembling rejoice. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus declared that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This is the basis of our discipleship and it is important for us to accept this truth. Let us decide based on the Gospel and God’s will. Let us remain on the right path and stay connected with God’s Word.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way and the truth and the life; says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:1-6

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. 4 Where I am going you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”