Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 27 April 2027

19 Now there came thither certain Jews from Antioch, and Iconium: and persuading the multitude, and stoning Paul, drew him out of the city, thinking him to be dead.

20 But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and entered into the city, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch:

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained to them priests in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.

24 And passing through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia.

25 And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished.

27 And when they were come, and had assembled the church, they related what great things God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 And they abode no small time with the disciples.

R. (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or

R. Alleluia.

10 Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee: and let thy saints bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom: and shall tell of thy power:

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or

R. Alleluia.

12 To make thy might known to the sons of men: and the glory of the magnificence of thy kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages: and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or

R. Alleluia.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless thy holy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

46, 26 Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.

28 You have heard that I said to you: I go away, and I come unto you. If you loved me, you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I.

29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe.

30 I will not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world cometh, and in me he hath not any thing.

31 But that the world may know, that I love the Father: and as the Father hath given me commandment.

Jesus speaks of a peace the world cannot give, and he speaks these words while preparing his disciples for his departure, suffering, and death. His peace is not a promise that trouble will disappear. It is the steady confidence that he belongs wholly to the Father and that his suffering will lead to glory. Because Jesus loves the Father and keeps his commandment, the power of evil cannot claim him.

Paul and Barnabas show what this peace can look like in the life of the Church. After Paul is stoned and left for dead, he continues the mission, strengthens the disciples, and tells them plainly that many tribulations lead into the kingdom of God. Their perseverance is not self-reliance; they are commended to the Lord, and they return praising what God has done by opening the door of faith to the Gentiles. The psalm gives the fitting response: God’s friends make known the splendor of his kingdom. When hardship comes, faith does not require us to pretend it is easy. It asks us to remain with Christ, trust the Father, and let our steadfastness become a quiet witness to his enduring kingdom.

Lord Jesus, place your peace within us, especially when suffering, uncertainty, or opposition troubles our hearts. Teach us to love the Father with the faithful obedience you showed, trusting that no power of evil can separate us from your life. Strengthen your Church to persevere in the work of the Gospel. Give us courage to encourage those who are weary, patience to endure trials, and gratitude to recognize the doors of faith you open. May our words and our lives make known the glory of your kingdom. Keep us close to you until we share in your victory. Amen.