Reading 1
Acts 25:13b-21
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea
on a visit to Festus.
Since they spent several days there,
Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying,
“There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
I answered them that it was not Roman practice
to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers
and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.
So when they came together here, I made no delay;
the next day I took my seat on the tribunal
and ordered the man to be brought in.
His accusers stood around him,
but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.
Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion
and about a certain Jesus who had died
but who Paul claimed was alive.
Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy,
I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem
and there stand trial on these charges.
And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody
for the Emperor’s decision,
I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
Responsorial Psalm R. (19a)
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, all you his angels,
you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
R. The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Jn 21:15-19
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Meditation: Acts 25:13-21
“Do not forget all the gifts of God.” (Psalm 103:2)
Since Easter Monday, the Mass readings have been following the story of the early church as it unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. We have gone from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment. We have seen Peter’s role in his mission to the Gentiles. We have followed the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem and watched it extend to the known world. It is a dramatic, inspiring story—and it doesn’t end with Paul!
Many, many chapters have been written over the past twenty centuries. Millions of conversions have taken place, each one its own compelling story of grace and mercy. Countless saints have risen up to give living testimony to the power of the gospel. Thousands upon thousands of martyrs have sanctified the earth, even as they point us toward heaven.
This great extended Book of Acts includes chapters on the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Dominicans. It includes the tales of brave missionaries and the stories of church councils. It includes powerful families like the Borgias and a humble peasant named Angelo, who became Pope John XXIII. So many chapters! So many amazing stories of God’s love, power, and provision!
And the book is still being written today, with each of our lives making up another chapter! None of us should think that we are unimportant in the kingdom. None of us should think that our lives don’t matter or that we’ll never make an impact. We have all been called by our heavenly Father to build his kingdom, and he is counting on us to take up this calling with faith, trust, and determination. Who knows how our own chapter will read? Who knows what plans the Lord still has in store for us?
One thing is certain: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and by the power of this Spirit, each of us can accomplish great things in the name of Christ. There are many more chapters left to be written—and we are the main characters!
“Lord, thank you for calling me into your church! By your Spirit, empower me to be your witness in this world.”
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