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18 May 2024 - Saturday of the 7th week of Eastertide - Readings

Saint John I, Pope, Martyr 

Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass

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First reading
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

In Rome, Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God without hindrance from anyone

On our arrival in Rome Paul was allowed to stay in lodgings of his own with the soldier who guarded him.
    After three days he called together the leading Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, ‘Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and would have set me free, since they found me guilty of nothing involving the death penalty; but the Jews lodged an objection, and I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation to make against my own nation. That is why I have asked to see you and talk to you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear this chain.’
    Paul spent the whole of the two years in his own rented lodging. He welcomed all who came to visit him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete freedom and without hindrance from anyone.

Commentary

Unhindered Proclamation in Rome

1. Arrival in Rome: Paul arrives in Rome as a prisoner but is permitted to live by himself with a soldier guarding him.

2. Preaching the Kingdom: Despite his circumstances, Paul boldly proclaims the kingdom of God to both Jews and Gentiles in Rome.

3. Open Dialogue: Paul engages in discussions and debates with the Jewish leaders, presenting the Gospel and explaining the hope of Israel.

4. Receptive Audience: Some respond positively to Paul's message, while others remain unconvinced. Nevertheless, Paul continues to preach without hindrance.

5. Legacy of Unhindered Ministry: Paul's time in Rome concludes with his continued proclamation of the kingdom of God, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the Gospel message.


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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 10(11):4-5,7

The upright shall see your face, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!

The Lord is in his holy temple,
    the Lord, whose throne is in heaven.
His eyes look down on the world;
    his gaze tests mortal men.

The upright shall see your face, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!

The Lord tests the just and the wicked;
    the lover of violence he hates.
The Lord is just and loves justice;
    the upright shall see his face.

The upright shall see your face, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
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Gospel Acclamation
Col 3:1

Alleluia, alleluia!
Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ,
you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is,
sitting at God’s right hand.
Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Jn 16:7,13

Alleluia, alleluia!
I will send you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will lead you to the complete truth.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
John 21:20-25

This disciple is the one who vouches for these things and we know that his testimony is true

Peter turned and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them – the one who had leaned on his breast at the supper and had said to him, ‘Lord, who is it that will betray you?’ Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘What about him, Lord?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to stay behind till I come, what does it matter to you? You are to follow me.’ The rumour then went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, ‘He will not die’, but, ‘If I want him to stay behind till I come.’
    This disciple is the one who vouches for these things and has written them down, and we know that his testimony is true.
    There were many other things that Jesus did; if all were written down, the world itself, I suppose, would not hold all the books that would have to be written.

Commentary

Testimony of the Beloved Disciple

1. Identity Revealed: The passage identifies the disciple whom Jesus loved as the one vouching for the truth of the events described.

2. Eyewitness Account: As an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry, this disciple provides authentic testimony to the veracity of the Gospel narrative.

3. Assurance of Truth: The author affirms the reliability of the beloved disciple's testimony, emphasizing its trustworthiness.

4. Confirmation of Authenticity: The presence of first-hand witnesses like the beloved disciple adds credibility to the accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, and miracles.

5. Continuation of Testimony: The Gospel concludes by acknowledging the vastness of Jesus' works, suggesting that the testimony of the beloved disciple extends beyond the scope of the written account.

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