SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE - 2023

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

If you make my word your home
you will indeed be my disciples,
and you will learn the truth, says the Lord. JN 8:31-32

ACTS 13:44-52 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

What a great tragedy it is that so many are determined to hold on tightly to what is temporal and which carries decay and death with it and to set their face against that which is holy, life-giving, and everlasting.

Paul and his companions first preach to the Jews in the synagogue on the sabbath and great crowds gather eager to hear the words of life. As was the case with You, Jews filled with jealousy and envy accused Paul and convinced some wealthy women to use their influence to get them expelled from there.  This happens time and time again. People with wealth and influence, ignorant of the truth, are inveigled into carrying out the evil plans of their flatterers.  

But You O Lord have the power to draw good out of every situation no matter how evil or difficult, You used their expulsion to take them to other territories so others could hear the Good News and be saved. The Jews, God chosen people, rejected You and they do to this day but Your eye is still on them, and in time, once the Gentiles have heard the Word of God and believed, the Jews too will believe and the whole world will glorify You. We long for that day Lord, hasten it so the whole world can rejoice in knowing You and loving You. 

Give us this grace O Lord, always and everywhere, to never permit our circumstances to steal us of our joy and the presence of Your Holy Spirit in us.

PSALM 97(98):1-4 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

We live in an age where the whole world has heard of the Saving Word of our God. We rejoice and are glad that many have come to believe and by believing are saved. 

While great evil abounds everywhere even in the Church O Lord, evil can never overcome or overpower the victory and triumph that You won for us on the Cross by Your passion, ignominious death, and glorious resurrection.

Keep us always eager and ready to live the Gospel and if necessary to lay down our lives for it so that all who do not yet know You may come to believe in You and be saved. 

JOHN 14:7-14 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

The Twelve were privileged to live with You for three years. You spent large amounts of time in private with them. Walking from town to town or resting away from the crowds You conversed with them, interacted with them, taught them, ate with them, rested with them, and taught them. They were witnesses to Your mighty miracles which pointed to the power of God who was with You. 

The Triune God was always present with You and in You and this is why You said to the Apostles whoever sees Me sees the Father. Those who know Me know the Father as well for You are One. You only did what the Father desired You to do. You only spoke the things that the Father asked You to. You did nothing apart from Your Father and the Holy Spirit - every word, every deed, every miracle was the Holy Trinity acting as One.

What You said to Philip and the Twelve You say to us as well and You assure us that believing in You will empower us to do even greater works in Your Name since You are going back to the Father.

‘I tell you most solemnly,

whoever believes in me
will perform the same works as I do myself,
he will perform even greater works,
because I am going to the Father.’

And finally, You assure us not once but twice that anything we ask in Your Name, You will do so that the Father is glorified in You. Grant us this grace O Lord, to take You at Your Word. Let us not be afraid to ask for great things in Your Name so we may be powerful and effective witnesses of the Good News that saves.

‘Whatever you ask for in my name I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask for anything in my name,
I will do it.’