Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 29 April 2027

7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter, rising up, said to them: Men, brethren, you know, that in former days God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8 And God, who knoweth the hearts, gave testimony, giving unto them the Holy Ghost, as well as to us;

9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

11 But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be saved, in like manner as they also.

12 And all the multitude held their peace; and they heard Barnabas and Paul telling what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hear me.

14 Simon hath related how God first visited to take of the Gentiles a people to his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written:

16 After these things I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and the ruins thereof I will rebuild, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all nations upon whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord, who doth these things.

18 To the Lord was his own work known from the beginning of the world.

19 For which cause I judge that they, who from among the Gentiles are converted to God, are not to be disquieted.

20 But that we write unto them, that they refrain themselves from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him in the synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.

R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 A canticle for David himself, when the house was built after the captivity. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2a Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or

R. Alleluia.

2b shew forth his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or

R. Alleluia.

10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9 As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father’s commandments, and do abide in his love.

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.

God’s saving work is wider than human boundaries. Peter recognizes that the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles just as to the first believers, and that God purified their hearts by faith. The apostles do not place upon these new disciples a burden their own ancestors could not bear. Instead, they discern what faithful conversion requires and welcome those whom God has called. The prophet’s vision is being fulfilled: the nations are seeking the Lord and receiving his name.

This generous grace does not lead to a careless faith. Jesus says that those who hear his voice abide in his love by keeping his commandments. Belonging to Christ means receiving his love and allowing it to shape our choices. The Church’s mission, echoed in the psalm, is to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds among all peoples—not by imposing unnecessary burdens, but by bearing witness to the freedom and joy found in faithful discipleship. We can examine what we place upon others and what Christ truly asks of us: to listen, to turn from whatever belongs to false gods, and to remain close to him in love. There, his joy becomes complete.

Lord Jesus, you know every heart and pour out your Holy Spirit upon all whom the Father calls. Free me from burdens that do not come from you, and give me wisdom to recognize the faithful path. Teach me to hear your voice, remain in your love, and keep your commandments with a willing heart. Purify my faith from pride and fear, so that my life may welcome others rather than place obstacles before them. Let your joy grow in me, and make me a humble witness to your saving grace among all people. Amen.