24_05

9 May 2024 - Thursday before Ascension Sunday - Readings

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

In some dioceses, the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today.
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First reading
Acts 18:1-8

Paul lodged with them and worked, and held debates in the synagogues

Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met a Jew called Aquila whose family came from Pontus. He and his wife Priscilla had recently left Italy because an edict of Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. Paul went to visit them, and when he found they were tentmakers, of the same trade as himself, he lodged with them, and they worked together. Every sabbath he used to hold debates in the synagogues, trying to convert Jews as well as Greeks.
    After Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted all his time to preaching, declaring to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. When they turned against him and started to insult him, he took his cloak and shook it out in front of them, saying, ‘Your blood be on your own heads; from now on I can go to the pagans with a clear conscience.’ Then he left the synagogue and moved to the house next door that belonged to a worshipper of God called Justus. Crispus, president of the synagogue, and his whole household, all became believers in the Lord. A great many Corinthians who had heard him became believers and were baptized.

Commentary

"Paul's Ministry in Corinth: Laboring and Debating for the Gospel"

  1. Tentmaking Ministry: In Acts 18:1-3, we see Paul engaging in tentmaking as he arrives in Corinth, demonstrating his commitment to self-sufficiency and not burdening the fledgling church.

  2. Synagogue Discourse: Paul's customary practice upon entering a new city is seen in Acts 18:4, as he reasons in the synagogue each Sabbath, engaging in dialogue and debate with Jews and God-fearing Greeks.

  3. Response to Opposition: Despite resistance and opposition from some Jews, Paul persists in his mission, affirming the truth of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God (Acts 18:5-6).

  4. Divine Encouragement: In Acts 18:7-8, we witness the divine encouragement given to Paul through a vision from the Lord, reassuring him of divine protection and fruitful ministry in Corinth.

  5. Fruitful Ministry: Paul's persistence and diligence in both his secular work and his proclamation of the gospel lead to significant conversions, including Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many Corinthians who believe and are baptized.

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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 97(98):1-4

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
or
Alleluia!

Sing a new song to the Lord
    for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have brought salvation.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
or
Alleluia!

The Lord has made known his salvation;
    has shown his justice to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love
    for the house of Israel.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
or
Alleluia!

All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
    ring out your joy.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
or
Alleluia!
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Gospel Acclamation
Rm6:9

Alleluia, alleluia!
Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.
Death has no power over him anymore.
Alleluia!


Or:
cf.Jn14:18

Alleluia, alleluia!
I will not leave you, orphans, says the Lord;
I go, but I will come back to you, 
and your hearts will be full of joy.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
John 16:16-20

You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘In a short time, you will no longer see me,
and then a short time later you will see me again.’

Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean, “In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again” and, “I am going to the Father”? What is this “short time”? We do not know what he means.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to question him, so he said, ‘You are asking one another what I meant by saying: In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again.

‘I tell you most solemnly,
you will be weeping and wailing
while the world will rejoice;
you will be sorrowful,
but your sorrow will turn to joy.’

Commentary

"From Sorrow to Joy: The Promise of Transformation"

  1. Anticipated Sorrow: Jesus forewarns his disciples of impending sorrow due to his imminent departure, acknowledging the grief they will experience in his absence.

  2. Transition to Joy: Despite the sorrow, Jesus offers the assurance that their grief will be temporary, emphasizing a future transformation from sorrow to joy.

  3. Illustration of Birth Pains: Jesus employs the analogy of a woman in labor to illustrate the process of sorrow leading to joy. Just as childbirth involves pain followed by the joy of new life, so too will the disciples' sorrow give way to the joy of a new reality.

  4. Resurrection Hope: Jesus alludes to his impending death and resurrection, foreshadowing the ultimate source of joy that will come through his victory over sin and death.

  5. Eternal Perspective: Jesus encourages his disciples to maintain an eternal perspective amidst their present sorrow, reminding them of the lasting joy that awaits them in the kingdom of God.

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