Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 26 April 2028

17 Then the high priest rising up, and all they that were with him, (which is the heresy of the Sadducees,) were filled with envy.

18 And they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But an angel of the Lord by night opening the doors of the prison, and leading them out, said:

20 Go, and standing speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

21 Who having heard this, early in the morning, entered into the temple, and taught. And the high priest coming, and they that were with him, called together the council, and all the ancients of the children of Israel; and they sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the ministers came, and opening the prison, found them not there, they returned and told,

23 Saying: The prison indeed we found shut with all diligence, and the keepers standing before the doors; but opening it, we found no man within.

24 Now when the officer of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt concerning them, what would come to pass.

25 But one came and told them: Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple standing, and teaching the people.

26 Then went the officer with the ministers, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

R.(7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or

R. Alleluia.

2 I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth.

3 In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 O magnify the Lord with me; and let us extol his name together.

5 I sought the Lord, and he heard me; and he delivered me from all my troubles.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or

R. Alleluia.

6 Come ye to him and be enlightened: and your faces shall not be confounded.

7 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him: and saved him out of all his troubles.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or

R. Alleluia.

8 The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him: and shall deliver them.

9 O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man that hopeth in him.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 God so love the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.

18 He that believeth in him is not judged. But he that doth not believe, is already judged: because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the judgment: because the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil.

20 For every one that doth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his works may not be reproved.

21 But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they are done in God.

God’s love is revealed in a freedom that leads to witness. The apostles are imprisoned, yet the Lord opens the doors and sends them back to the temple to speak “all the words of this life.” Their deliverance is not an escape into comfort; it is a return to the mission entrusted to them. The psalm gives voice to the same confidence: the Lord hears the cry of the poor, delivers those who seek him, and surrounds them with his protecting angel.

Christ explains the source of this saving action: God gives his Son so that the world may have life. Jesus comes as light, not to condemn the world, but to save it. Yet his light calls for a decision. To come into the light is to let truth be seen and to allow our works to be done in God. Faith therefore involves more than accepting comforting words; it means stepping out of darkness and living openly before the Lord. Whenever fear, sin, or pressure tries to silence what is true, God’s love still gives courage. The risen Christ frees his people so that they may speak and live in the light.

God of mercy, thank you for the love that gives us your Son and opens the way to life. Hear us when we are poor in spirit, afraid, or burdened, and surround us with your faithful care. Free us from whatever keeps us hidden in darkness. Give us the courage of the apostles to speak what is true and to remain faithful when obedience is difficult. Let the light of Christ expose our sin without despair, leading us to repentance and renewed trust. May our words and actions be done in you and quietly bear witness to your saving love. Amen.