Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 28 April 2028

34 But one in the council rising up, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, respected by all the people, commanded the men to be put forth a little while.

35 And he said to them: Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do, as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theodas, affirming himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all that believed him were scattered, and brought to nothing.

37 After this man, rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the enrolling, and drew away the people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as consented to him, were dispersed.

38 And now, therefore, I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this council or this work be of men, it will come to nought;

39 But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest perhaps you be found even to fight against God. And they consented to him.

40 And calling in the apostles, after they had scourged them, they charged them that they should not speak at all in the name of Jesus; and they dismissed them.

41 And they indeed went from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.

42 And every day they ceased not in the temple, and from house to house, to teach and preach Christ Jesus.

R. (4abc) One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.

R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

13 I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

14 Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord.

R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

4b One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias.

2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw the miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

3 Jesus therefore went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

4 Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand.

5 When Jesus therefore had lifted up his eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to him, he said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6 And this he said to try him; for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him:

9 There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves, and two fishes; but what are these among so many?

10 Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves: and when he had given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down. In like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would.

12 And when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost.

13 They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten.

14 Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet, that is to come into the world.

15 Jesus therefore, when he knew that they would come to take him by force, and make him king, fled again into the mountain himself alone.

Human calculations see only scarcity: five loaves, two fish, and a crowd of thousands. Yet Jesus already knows what he will do. He receives the small offering, gives thanks, and makes it sufficient for everyone. The fragments are gathered carefully, teaching that nothing placed in Christ’s hands is meaningless or wasted. We live by more than bread alone; we live by the word that comes from God, a word that can sustain us when our strength seems inadequate.

The apostles also face what appears impossible. They are beaten and ordered to stop speaking in Jesus’ name, yet they continue teaching and preaching, rejoicing that they can suffer for him. Gamaliel’s counsel points to a sober trust: what is truly of God cannot finally be overthrown. The crowd wants to make Jesus king, but he withdraws rather than allow his mission to be shaped by human demands. Faith therefore means waiting for the Lord, seeking to dwell with him, and allowing his purpose—not our fear, excitement, or need for control—to guide us. What we offer may seem small, but in Christ’s hands it can serve his work abundantly.

Lord Jesus, you know our needs before we understand them, and you can bring abundance from what we offer with trust. Teach us to place our little gifts, our words, and our efforts into your hands. When opposition or uncertainty comes, keep us from fear and from trying to control your work. Give us courage to remain faithful to your name, patience to wait for your guidance, and reverence for every grace you provide. May your word nourish us more deeply than earthly bread, and may we serve your purpose with quiet joy. Amen.