Liturgical Year: 4 May 2024 - Saturday of the 5th week of Eastertide

Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II)

Readings at Mass

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First reading

Acts 16:1-10

'Come across to Macedonia and help us'

From Cilicia, Paul went to Derbe, and then on to Lystra. Here there was a disciple called Timothy, whose mother was a Jewess who had become a believer; but his father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy, and Paul, who wanted to have him as a travelling companion, had him circumcised. This was on account of the Jews in the locality where everyone knew his father was a Greek.

As they visited one town after another, they passed on the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, with instructions to respect them.

So the churches grew strong in the faith, as well as growing daily in numbers.

They travelled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, having been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia. When they reached the frontier of Mysia they thought to cross it into Bithynia, but as the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them, they went through Mysia and came down to Troas.

One night Paul had a vision: a Macedonian appeared and appealed to him in these words, ‘Come across to Macedonia and help us.’ Once he had seen this vision we lost no time in arranging a passage to Macedonia, convinced that God had called us to bring them the Good News.

Commentary

Paul's Missionary Call: Paul receives a vision prompting him to go to Macedonia and help its people, illustrating the importance of responding to divine guidance in ministry.
Timothy Joins the Mission: Paul selects Timothy, a highly regarded disciple, to accompany him on the journey, emphasizing the value of teamwork and mentoring in spreading the gospel.
Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit directs Paul's movements, guiding him away from certain areas and toward Macedonia, demonstrating the Spirit's active role in mission work.
Urgent Need for the Gospel: The vision's call for help highlights the urgent need for the gospel in new regions and underscores believers' responsibility to respond to God's call to share His truth.
Trust in God's Providence: Despite facing obstacles, Paul trusts in God's providential care, recognizing His sovereignty and provision throughout the journey.

This passage emphasizes the importance of responding to divine guidance, the role of teamwork and mentoring in ministry, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the urgency of spreading the gospel, and trusting in God's providence in mission work.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 99(100):1-3,5