Fourth Week of Easter
27th April 2024 (Saturday)
Psalter: Week 4
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Acts 13:44-52
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R/. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : John 14:7-14
If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Saturday – Fourth Week of Easter
Guidelines: Rejection of truth is a clear sign that one is in falsity and darkness because error cannot stand the sight of truth, and darkness cannot tolerate light
1. The oneness of the Father and the Son is the truth which the disciples need to believe. Because it is this communion which their Master tirelessly attested and testified to. It is this communion that was his driving force as well as the secret and source of all his works.
2. Thus his works are not merely some wonders or favours, but more essentially powerful signs and testimonies of this inseparable union between the Father and the Son. The Son is so totally United with the Father that he “reflects” the Father so much so that “one who sees the Son, is seeing the Father as well”.
3. Similarly, one who is totally United with the Son, will also “resemble” and “mirror” the Son, so much so that he will do the same works of the Son. But for sure, all will not see this reflection and will not accept this testimony. Like those who opposed Paul and incited the people to reject the offer of faith, there will be much opposition and rejection.
Practice: What is rejected by the Jews, is wholeheartedly accepted by the Gentiles and they obtain the grace and mercy of God. There are no guarantees and personal merits. It is all a matter of God’s benevolence and one’s humble acceptance
