Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 2 May 2027

25 And it came to pass, that when Peter was come in, Cornelius came to meet him, and falling at his feet adored.

26 But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise, I myself also am a man.

34 And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons.

35 But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh justice, is acceptable to him.

44 While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.

45 And the faithful of the circumcision, who came with Peter, were astonished, for that the grace of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles also.

46 For they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God.

47 Then Peter answered: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost, as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with them some days.

R. (2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or

R. Alleluia.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3ab He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or

R. Alleluia.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

or

R. Alleluia.

7 Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity.

9 By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him.

10 In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23 Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9 As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father’s commandments, and do abide in his love.

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.

12 This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you.

15 I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you.

16 You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

God’s love moves outward, reaching people before human boundaries can contain it. Peter discovers that God shows no partiality: the Holy Spirit is poured out upon Cornelius and the Gentiles who hear the word, and the Church recognizes that no one may place limits on the grace God gives. The psalm echoes this widening mercy: all the ends of the earth are invited to see the salvation of our God.

That grace has a definite shape. God loved us first by sending his Son, and Jesus calls us to remain in that love by keeping his commandment: love one another as he has loved us. This is more than affection or good intention; it is a love willing to give itself, a love that bears lasting fruit. Christ calls his disciples friends and sends them to share in his work. We remain close to him when we allow his love to cross the boundaries we instinctively draw, receive those whom God is welcoming, and choose concrete acts of sacrificial charity. The Holy Spirit is still teaching the Church that God’s mercy is larger than our expectations.

Lord Jesus, you have chosen us and called us your friends. Keep us abiding in your love, especially when obedience asks us to surrender our preferences or welcome someone we would rather keep at a distance. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church, as you did upon Cornelius and his household, and free us from every narrow judgment. Teach us to recognize your grace wherever it appears, to love with patience and courage, and to offer our lives in service of others. May the fruit you bear through us remain for your glory and the joy of your people. Amen.