Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 20 May 2028

1 And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman that believed; but his father was a Gentile.

2 To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium, gave a good testimony.

3 Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile.

4 And as they passed through the cities, they delivered unto them the decrees for to keep, that were decreed by the apostles and ancients who were at Jerusalem.

5 And the churches were confirmed in faith, and increased in number daily.

6 And when they had passed through Phrygia, and the country of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.

7 And when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to go into Bythynia, and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.

8 And when they had passed through Mysia, they went down to Troas.

9 And a vision was shewed to Paul in the night, which was a man of Macedonia standing and beseeching him, and saying: Pass over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And as soon as he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, being assured that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

R. (2a) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

2 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: he made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

5 For the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever, and his truth to generation and generation.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

18 If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you.

19 If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things they will do to you for my name’s sake: because they know not him who sent me.

The disciples in the first reading move forward with confidence, yet the Holy Spirit does not allow them to follow every plan they have made. Their mission is shaped through both opened and closed paths, until Paul receives the call to Macedonia. They respond immediately, trusting that God’s direction is wiser than their own intentions. Timothy’s readiness to serve also shows that the Gospel advances through faithful people who are willing to be formed and sent.

Jesus prepares his disciples for another part of this same faithfulness: belonging to him may bring opposition. The servant is not greater than the master, and following Christ means accepting that his word will sometimes place us at odds with the world. Yet this is not a life of fear or bitterness. We belong to God, who made us and keeps us as his people; his mercy endures forever. With our hearts set on Christ, we can receive both resistance and redirection without losing joy. When a door closes or fidelity becomes costly, we can still ask where the Spirit is leading and take the next step with trust.

Lord Jesus, you chose your disciples and sent them into a world that did not always welcome your word. Give me a steady heart when faithfulness brings difficulty, and keep me from measuring truth by the approval of others. Holy Spirit, guide my choices, especially when my plans are changed or a familiar path is closed. Teach me to recognize where God is calling and to respond with generous obedience. Let the joy of belonging to you be stronger than fear, and make my life a faithful witness to your mercy and truth. Amen.