Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 20 April 2027

19 Now they who had been dispersed by the persecution that arose on occasion of Stephen, went about as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none, but to the Jews only.

20 But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were entered into Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believing, were converted to the Lord.

22 And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

25 And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch.

26 And they conversed there in the church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians.

R. (117:1a) All you nations, praise the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1b His foundations thereof are in the holy mountains:

2 The Lord loveth the gates of Sion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God.

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon knowing me. Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, these were there.

5 Shall not Sion say: This man and that man is born in her? and the Highest himself hath founded her.

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

6 The Lord shall tell in his writings of peoples and of princes, of them that have been in her.

7 The dwelling in thee is as it were of all rejoicing.

R. All you nations, praise the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.

24 The Jews therefore came round about him, and said to him: How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me.

26 But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.

27 My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me.

28 And I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand.

29 That which my Father hath given me, is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of my Father.

30 I and the Father are one.

The voice of Jesus gathers people who might otherwise remain separated. In Antioch, believers first spoke the word only to Jews, but others began preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks as well. The hand of the Lord was with them, and many were converted. Barnabas recognized God’s grace, encouraged the new disciples to remain faithful, and helped form a community where people from many peoples could belong. There, they received the name Christians.

This widening community reflects the vision of the psalm: the nations themselves are remembered as belonging to the city of God. Christ knows his sheep, and his sheep hear his voice and follow him. His knowledge is personal, and his protection is sure: no one can snatch them from his hand or from the Father’s hand. The unity of the Church rests in the unity of the Son and the Father. We can therefore listen for Christ’s voice with confidence, allowing his word to lead us beyond fear, suspicion, or narrow boundaries. Faithfulness may include welcoming someone new, encouraging a growing believer, or speaking simply about Jesus. The Lord is still gathering his people.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, make my heart attentive to your voice. Keep me close to you when I am uncertain, and deepen my trust in the Father’s loving protection. Give your Church the grace to recognize your work wherever people are turning toward you. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, as you filled Barnabas, so that we may encourage others with patience and joy. Remove whatever keeps us from welcoming those whom you are gathering into your people. May our words and actions help others follow you and discover the life you give. Amen.