Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
________
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.________
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 99(100):1-3,5
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
or
Alleluia!
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
or
Alleluia!
Know that he, the Lord, is God.
He made us, we belong to him,
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
or
Alleluia!
Indeed, how good is the Lord,
eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
or
Alleluia!
________
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord, who hung for us upon the tree,
has risen from the tomb.
Alleluia!
Or:
Col3:1
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!
________
Gospel
John 15:18-21
The world hated me before it hated you
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If the world hates you,
remember that it hated me before you.
If you belonged to the world,
the world would love you as its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
because my choice withdrew you from the world,
therefore the world hates you.
Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too;
if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.
But it will be on my account that they will do all this
because they do not know the one who sent me.’
Commentary
Jesus Forewarns of Hostility: Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality of persecution, explaining that the world's hatred toward Him will extend to them as His followers.
Believers' Identity with Christ: Jesus assures His disciples that their identification with Him will result in opposition from the world, as they do not conform to its values but belong to Him.
Root of Hostility: The world's animosity toward Jesus and His disciples stems from its rejection of God's truth and refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God.
Endurance in Adversity: Despite the prospect of persecution, Jesus encourages His disciples to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in the Holy Spirit's presence to sustain them.
Blessedness in Suffering: Those who endure persecution for their faith are considered blessed, as they share in the sufferings of Christ and will be rewarded in heaven.
Jesus forewarns His disciples of persecution, emphasizes their identity with Him, explains the root of hostility, encourages endurance, and highlights the blessedness of suffering for the sake of righteousness..
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