Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 8 May 2027

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, confirming all the disciples.

24 Now a certain Jew, named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, one mighty in the scriptures.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, spoke, and taught diligently the things that are of Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 This man therefore began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Whom when Priscilla and Aquila had heard, they took him to them, and expounded to him the way of the Lord more diligently.

27 And whereas he was desirous to go to Achaia, the brethren exhorting, wrote to the disciples to receive him. Who, when he was come, helped them much who had believed.

28 For with much vigour he convinced the Jews openly, shewing by the scriptures, that Jesus is the Christ.

R. (8a) God is king of all the earth.

or

R. Alleluia.

2 O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of Joy,

3 For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the earth.

R. God is king of all the earth.

or

R. Alleluia.

8 For God is the king of all the earth: sing ye wisely.

9 God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on his holy throne.

R. God is king of all the earth.

or

R. Alleluia.

10 The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted.

R. God is king of all the earth.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

28 I came from the Father and have come into the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23b Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you.

24 Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full.

25 These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father.

26 In that day you shall ask in my name; and I say not to you, that I will ask the Father for you:

27 For the Father himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and I go to the Father.

Jesus speaks of returning to the Father, yet his departure is not abandonment. Through him, the disciples are welcomed into the Father’s love, and they can ask with confidence in his name. To pray in Jesus’ name is to place our desires within his relationship with the Father, trusting that true joy is found there. The God who reigns over every nation is also the Father who draws believers into communion through his Son.

That communion bears fruit in patient growth and courageous witness. Apollos already possessed zeal and knowledge, but Priscilla and Aquila helped him understand the way of the Lord more fully. He then became a powerful servant of the Gospel, showing that Jesus is the Christ. Faith is strengthened when it remains teachable, and it becomes fruitful when it is shared. We can bring our questions and needs to the Father, receive the truth more deeply, and then speak of Christ with humility and conviction. Our prayer does not withdraw us from the world; it prepares us to serve within it.

Father, through Jesus your Son, draw me more deeply into your love. Teach me to pray in his name, seeking what leads to true joy and faithful service. Give me the humility to receive correction and the grace to keep growing in understanding. Make my faith courageous without becoming proud, and let my words and actions bear witness that Jesus is the Christ. Since you are King over all the earth, gather your people in unity and use my life to strengthen others. Keep my heart close to you as I serve in the world. Amen.