Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 26 April 2027

5 And when there was an assault made by the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to use them contumeliously, and to stone them:

6 They understanding it, fled to Lystra, and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the whole country round about,

7 and were there preaching the gospel.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.

9 This same heard Paul speaking. Who looking upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up, and walked.

11 And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men;

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury; because he was chief speaker.

13 The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city, bringing oxen and garlands before the gate, would have offered sacrifice with the people.

14 Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had heard, rending their clothes, they leaped out among the people, crying,

15 And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also are mortals, men like unto you, preaching to you to be converted from these vain things, to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And speaking these things, they scarce restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

R. (1ab) Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory.

2 For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake: lest the gentiles should say: Where is their God?

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

or

R. Alleluia.

3 But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would.

4 The idols of the gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.

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

or

R. Alleluia.

15 Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

16 The heaven of heaven is the Lord’s: but the earth he has given to the children of men.

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

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them; he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith to him, not the Iscariot: Lord, how is it, that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world?

23 Jesus answered, and said to him: If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have heard, is not mine; but the Father’s who sent me.

25 These things have I spoken to you, abiding with you.

26 But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.

Love for Christ becomes visible in the way we receive and keep his word. Jesus promises that those who love him will be loved by the Father, and that the Father and the Son will make their dwelling with them. This is not a distant promise reserved for a few extraordinary believers. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ continues to teach, remind, and make his presence known within the life of the Church and within faithful hearts.

Paul and Barnabas show what this love looks like in action. After God heals the man at Lystra, the people try to worship the apostles, but they tear their garments and point beyond themselves to the living God. Their preaching, their courage, and even the miracle are meant to lead people away from idols and toward the Creator, who gives rain, fruitful seasons, food, and gladness. The psalm gives the same spirit: glory belongs to God, never to human instruments. When we obey Christ and allow the Spirit to recall his word, our lives can become signs that direct attention away from ourselves and toward the God who is already giving us his presence.

Lord Jesus, teach me to love you through faithful obedience to your word. Send your Holy Spirit to awaken in me all that you have taught, especially when I am confused, discouraged, or tempted to follow lesser things. Keep me from seeking praise for what belongs to your grace. May my words and actions lead others toward you, the living God, who gives every good gift. Make your dwelling within me a source of humility, courage, and quiet faithfulness. Father, let my life give glory to your name and help me remain attentive to your presence. Amen.