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Bible Ｖerse and Catechism, Kofu-shi (2026)

11/05/2026

6TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 12, TUESDAY

PSALTER: Week 2( White/ Red)

FEAST OF ST. PANCRAS/ MARTYR
ST. NEREUS AND ST. ARCHILLEUS
MARTYR

PSALM 138:1-2ab.2cde-3.7c-8
“ Your right hand saves me, O Lord.”

1ST READING: ACTS 16:22-34

THE PRISON AT PHILIPPI

And the crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas.
Then the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be whipped. After severe beating, they were thrown into jail, and the jailer was ordered to lock them up tight. Upon receiving this order, the jailer threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet between heavy blocks of wood.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God , and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped; so he pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice,” Don’t harm yourself we are here!”
The jailer called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. Then he led them out and asked,” Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They answered,” Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your family.” Then they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in the house. At the very hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; and he and all his family were baptized at once. Then he took Paul and Silas up into his house and gave them some food to eat. He and his family were filled with joy, because they now believed in God.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 16:5-11

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

But now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me where I am going. And now that I have told you, your hearts are full of sadness. But I am telling you the truth: it is better for you that I go away, because if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you . But if I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove to the people of the world that they are wrong about sin and about what is right and about God’s judgment. They are wrong about sin, because they do not believe in me; because I am going to the Father and you will not see me any more; and they are wrong about judgment, because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

REFLECTION 🤔
“THEY WILL NEVER BE ALONE.”

The saying “ Promises are made to be broken “ reflects a common truth in human experiences. While it has a negative connotation, it testifies that many promises remain unfulfilled, highlighting a shared aspects of human nature- but not so with God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises his disciples they will never be alone. As he prepares to return to his Father, he assures them of the Holy Spirit’s support during their trials, showing his loyalty and care as a true friend. This promise started to manifest in our lives at Baptism and remains present, especially in times of doubt or anxiety. The Holy Spirit’s silent guidance in our daily decisions reassures us that Jesus’s promise remains active today.

10/05/2026

6TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 11, MONDAY

PSALTER: Week 2( White)

PSALM 149:1b-2.3-4.5-6.and 9b
“ The Lord takes delight in his people.”

1ST READING: ACTS 16:11-15

IN PHILIPPI: THE CONVERSION OF
LYDIA

We left by ship from Troas and sailed straight across the Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. From there we went inland to Philippi, a city of about first district of Macedonia; it is also a Roman colony. We spent several days there. On the Sabbath we went out the city to the riverside, where we thought there would be a place where Jews gathered for prayer. We sat down and talked to the women who gathered there. One of those who heard us was Lydia from Thyatira, who was a dealer in purple cloth. She was a woman who worshiped God, and the Lord opened her mind to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and the people of her house has been baptized, she invited us, “ Come and stay in my house if you have decided that I am a true believer in the Lord.” And she persuaded us to go.

GOSPEL READING :JOHN 15:26–16:4a

“The Helper will come— the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God and who comes from the Father. I will send him to you from the Father, and he will speak about me.
But I have told you this, so that when the time comes for them to do these things, you will remember what I told you.

REFLECTION 🤔
“
HIS SPIRIT WILL CONTINUE TO GUIDE AND EMPOWER THEM.”

Jesus is in the process of preparing his disciples for his eventual return to the Father. As he readies them, he promises an Advocate— a faithful companion who will be with them. This assurance lets them know that, although Jesus may not be physically present, his Spirit will continue to guide and empower them. In the same way, we cannot look forward to the future with hope, knowing that this same Spirit will be there to guide and strengthen us. As modern- day disciples, we anticipate facing challenges in our faith. While we may encounter doubts, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will testify in God’s unwavering presence in our lives. The future holds opportunities for profound connection and guidance as we journey together in faith.

09/05/2026

6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 10, SUNDAY

PSALTER: Week 2( White)

PSALM 66:1-3.4-5.6-7.16.20
“ Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.”

1ST READING : ACTS 8:5-8.14-17

THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED IN
SAMARIA

Philip went to the principal city in Samaria and preached the Messiah to the people there. The crowd paid close attention to what Philip said, as they listened to him and saw the miracles that he performed.Evil spirits came out from many people with a loud cry, but many paralyzed and lame people were healed. So there was great joy in the city.
The apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had received the word of God, so they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit had not yet come down on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

2ND READING: 1 PETER 3:15-18

But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness or respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 14:15-21

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT

“ If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.
“ When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you. In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. When that day comes, you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me, just as I am in you.
“ Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too love them and reveal myself to them.”

LECTIO DIVINA:
“ JESUS COMMANDS US TO LOVE.”

READ:
Following the Lord’s command, the apostles preached the Good News to Samaria and the surrounding areas. This call to witness to the Lord is deepened in the second reading, where Peter encourages the believers to lead upright lives. In the Gospel, Christ urges his disciples and demonstrate their love for him by obeying his commandments.

REFLECTION 🤔
Jesus commands us to love- not just with our words but through our actions. “ IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” Obeying the Lord’s teachings marks us as His faithful followers. We aim to please Him, driven by love rather than fear. In return, He grants us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to dwell within us. The Spirit nurtures, guides, the comforts us on our journey- assuring us that we are never alone. Even in times of trial, the Spirit’s presence brings us peace. The early Christians experienced the power of the Spirit as they carried on the Lord’s mission. May we love in obey the Lord’s commandments, knowing that through our obedience, we remain in Him, and He in us, forever held by the power of His Spirit.

PRAYER 🙏
LORD, help us remain faithful in following your commandments even amid trials, knowing that your Spirit always with us.

ACTION:
Recall those who have hurt you. Forgive them and pray for them.

08/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 09, SATURDAY

PSALTER:Week 1( White)
PSALM 100:1b-2.3.5
“ Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.”

1ST READING: ACTS 16:1-10

TIMOTHY GOES WITH PAUL
AND SILAS

Paul traveled on to Derbe and Lystra, where a Christian named Timothy lived. His mother, who was also a Christian, was Jewish, but his father was a Greek. All the believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Paul wanted to take Timothy along with him, so he circumcised him. He did so because all the Jews who lived in those places knew that Timothy’s father was Greek. As they went through the towns, they delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, and they told them to obey those rules. So the churches were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.
They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit did not let them preach the message in the province of Asia. When they reached the border of Mysia, they tried to go into the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So they travelled right on through Mysia and went to Troas. That night Paul had a vision in which he saw a Macedonian standing and begging him, “ Come over to Macedonia and help us!” As soon as Paul had this vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, because we decided that God had called us to preach the Good News to the people there.

GOSPEL READING:JOHN 15:18-21

THE WORLD’S HATRED

“ If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘ Slaves are not greater than their master.’ If people persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they obey my teaching, they will obey yours too. But they will do all this to you because you are mine; for they do not know the one who sent me.

REFLECTION 🤔
“ GOD SEES EVERYTHING.”

Today’s Gospel passage is a source of strength for those who strive to follow Christ closely. It encourages those who uphold Gospel values, promote peace, advocate for truth and justice, care for creation, and show compassion. Regardless of how insignificant your contributions may seem or whether you face mockery or disdain, know that God sees everything. If you stand for Christ in any of life, you are on the right path. It’s no surprise that the world may oppose you, as it hated Him first. Stay strong and continue to stand on the side of good, on the side of God.

07/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 08, FRIDAY

PSALTER: Week 1( White)

PSALM 57:8-9.10 and 12
“ I will give you thanks among the peoples, O LORD.”

1ST READING: ACTS 15:22-31

THE LETTER TO THE GENTILES
BELIEVERS

Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, decided to choose some men from the group and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose two men who were highly respected by the believers, Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, and they sent the following letter by them:
“ We, the apostles and the elders, your brothers, send greetings to all our brothers of Gentile birth who live in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. We have heard that some who went from our group have troubled and upset you by what they said; they had not, however, received any instruction from us. And so we have met together and have all agreed to choose some messengers and send them to you. They will go with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. We send you, Judas and Silas, who with tell you in person the same things we are writing. The Holy Spirit and we have agreed not to put any other burden on you besides these necessary rules: eat no food that has been offered to idols; eat no blood; eat no animal that has been strangled; and keep yourselves from sexual immortality. You will do well if you take care not to do these things. With our best wishes.”
The messengers were sent off and went to Antioch, where they gathered the whole group of believers and gave them the letter. When the people read it, they were filled with joy by the message of encouragement.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 15:12-17

My commandment is this:
Love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. This, then, is what I command you: LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

REFLECTION 🤔
“ GOD IS OUR DEAREST FRIEND.”

When Pope Francis published his encyclical “ Fratelli Tutti,” meaning “ All Brothers ( and Sisters), “ he dedicated a chapter to the themes of dialogue and friendship. He stated, “ A friend isn’t just an acquaintance or someone with whom you enjoy passing the time. Friendship is something much deeper.” With our friends, we can be assured that our trusted secrets will be kept safe. Our friends are present in every significant chapter of our lives. Some friendships will forged through love that is tested over time. Jesus wants us to remember this: God intends to establish friendships with us. God is not simply waiting in the heavens to the reached out to; instead, God is already in our midst, like a friend who shares in our joys and sorrows as we navigate life’s challenges. God is our dearest friend who understands and listens to us without judgment. This is an invitation for all of us today. Jesus has already invited us to renew our friendship with him. Are we willing to respond to his invitation ? How much time will we invest in making our friendship with God more fruitful ?

06/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 07, THURSDAY

PSALTER: Week 1( White)

PSALM 96:1-2a.2b-3.10
“Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.”

1ST READING: ACTS 15:7-21

After a long debate Peter stood up and said,” My friends, you know that a long time ago God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, so that they could hear and believe. And God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, showed his approval of the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he had to us. He made no difference between us and them; he forgave their sins because they believed. So then, why do you now want to put God to the test by laying a load on the backs of the believers which neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were able to carry ? No ! We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”
The whole group was silent as they heard Barnabas and Paul report all the miracles and wonders that God had performed through them among the Gentiles. When they had finished speaking, James spoke up: “ Listen to me, my friends ! Simon has just explained how God first showed his care for the Gentiles by taking from among them a people to belong to him. The words of the prophets agree completely with this. As the Scripture says,
‘ After this I will return, says the
Lord, and restore the Kingdom
of David. I will rebuild its ruins
and make it strong again.
And so all the rest of the human
race will come to me, all the
Gentiles whom I have called
to be my own.
So says the Lord, who made this
known long ago.’
“ It is my opinion,” James went on,
“ that we should not trouble the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write a letter telling them not to eat any food that is ritually unclean because it has been offered to idols; to keep themselves from sexual immorality; and not to eat any animal that has been strangled, or any blood. For the Law of Moses has been read for a very long time in the synagogues every Sabbath, and his words are preached every town.”

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 15:9-11

“ I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father ‘s commands and remain in his love.”
“ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

REFLECTION 🤔
“ WE ARE ALL GOD’S BELOVED.”

Nothing compares to the parents’ love ❤️ for their children , a love that children carry with them into adulthood. As we navigate the trials and challenges of adult life, we draw strength from the memory of our parent’s love. They were the first to believe in our abilities. This is similar to how Jesus confidently assures his disciples of the Father’s love for himself and them. As Jesus understood his mission, he knew he was the Father’s beloved. This same love gave him the strength to endure his death on the cross in inspired his capacity to give and forgive. We can be assured of this love from our Father. As Christians, we are part of this family where Jesus is our brother, assuring us that we are all God’s beloved, no matter the circumstances.

05/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 06, WEDNESDAY

PSALTER: Week 1( White)

PSALM: 122:1-2.3-4ab.4cd-5
“ Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

1ST READING: ACTS 15:1-8

THE MEETING AT JERUSALEM

Some men came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the believers,” You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised as the Law of Moses requires.” Paul and Barnabas got into a fierce argument with them about this, so it was decided that Paul and Barnabas and some of the others in Antioch should go to Jerusalem and see the apostles and elders about this matter.
They were sent on their way by the church; and as they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported how the Gentiles had turned to God; this news brought great joy to all the believers. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, to whom they told all that God had done through them. But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said,” The Gentiles must be circumcised and told to obey the Law of Moses.”
The apostles and the elders met together to consider this question.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 15:1-8

JESUS THE REAL VINE

“ I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 🍎 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“ I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. Those who do not remain in me are thrown out like a branch and dry up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire 🔥, where they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. My Father’s glory is shown by your bearing much fruit;🍉 in this way you become my disciples.

REFLECTION 🤔
TO STAY CONNECTED “

“ REMAIN IN ME AS I REMAIN IN YOU.” To remain is to stay or to stay connected. For us human beings, it isn’t easy to remain and stay focused, whether on our studies, relationships, religious vows, or other commitments. But let us not forget this: even though we find it hard to remain in God, God remains in us. That connection is never severed. Indeed, we may not be perfectly faithful; we are constantly distracted and often succumb to temptations. But God remains in us. That is why the word “ remain “ is used repeatedly in today’s Gospel to convey His message that despite everything, He continues to remain. He is the kind of God who will not separate Himself from us. Even in our unfaithfulness, He continues to be faithful.

04/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 05, TUESDAY

PSALTER: Week 1/ White

PSALM 145:10-11.12-13ab.21
“ Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of Your Kingdom.”

1ST READING: ACTS 14: 19-28
Some Jews came from Antioch in Pisidia and from Iconium; they won the crowds over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. But when the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe.
Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in Derbe and won many disciples. Then they went back to Lystra, to Iconium, and on to Antioch in Pisidia. They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “ We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God,” they taught. In each church they appointed elders, and with prayers and fasting they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
After going through the territory of Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. There they preached the message in Perga and then they went to Attalia, and from there they sailed back to Antioch, the place where they had been commended to the care of God’s grace for the work they had completed.
When they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the people of the church together and told them about all that God had done with them and how he had opened the way for the Gentiles to believe. And they stayed a long time there with the believers.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 14:27-31a

“ Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘ I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you love me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I. I have told you this now before it all happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. I cannot talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over and, but the world must know that you love the Father; that is why I do everything as he commands me.
“ Come, let us go from this place.

REFLECTION 🤔
JESUS’ PROMISE OF COMFORT FOR THOSE OF BELIEVE.”

In the Eucharistic liturgy, during the Rite of Peace, the presiding priest says, “ Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you,” echoing the words of Jesus spoke to his disciples during His post- resurrection appearances. Today, the Gospel passage reminded us of Jesus’s promise of comfort for those of believe. But what does peace indeed comprise? Is it merely the absence of chaos ? The disciples understood that even after Jesus was resurrected, the Jewish society and religious structure remained unchanged. It took centuries for the Christian movement to spread beyond Jerusalem. Peace is a gift from God. We are its recipients and also its agents. As we accept Christ’s peace, we are also responsible for promoting it whenever the opportunity arises. Peace is an ongoing process, and we are called to contribute to it in our own lives.

03/05/2026

5TH WEEK OF EASTER
MAY 04, MONDAY

PSALM 115:1-2.3-4.15-16
“ Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.”

1ST READING: ACTS 14:5-18

THE ICONIUM

Then some Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, decided to mistreat the apostles and stone them. When the apostles learned about it, they fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe in Lycoania and to the surrounding territory. There they preached the Good News.
In Lystra there was a crippled man who had been lame from birth and had never been able to walk. He sat there and listened to Paul’s words. Paul saw that he believed and could be healed, so he looked straight at him and said in a loud voice,” Stand up straight on your feet !” The man jumped up and started walking around. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they started shouting in their own Lycaonian language, “ The gods have become like men and have come down to us!” They gave Barnabas the name Zeus, the Paul the name Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of the gods Zeus, whose temple stood just outside the town, brought bulls and flowers to the gate, for he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice to the apostles.
When Barnabas and Paul heard what they were about to do , they tore their clothes and ran into the middle of the crowd shouting, “ Why are you doing this ? We ourselves are only human beings like you ! We are here to announce the Good News, to turn you away from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven, earth, sea, and all that is in them. In the past he allowed all people to go their own way. But he has always given evidence of his existence by his good things he does: he gives you rain from heaven to crops at the right times; he gives you food and fills your hearts with happiness.” Even with these words the apostles could hardly keep the crowd from offering sacrifice to them.
Some Jews came from Antioch in Pisidia and from Iconium; they won the crowds over their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. But when the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe.
Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News in Derbe and won many disciples. Then they went back to Lystra, to Iconium, and on to Antioch in Pisidia. They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith.” We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God,” they taught. In each church they appointed elders, and with prayers and fasting they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
After going through the territory of Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. There they preached the message in Perga and went to Attalia, and from there they sailed back to Antioch, the place where they had been commended to the care of God’s grace for the work they had now completed.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 14:21-26

THE PROMISE OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT

“ Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Judas ( not Judas Iscariot) said,” Lord, how can it be that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world ?”
Jesus answered him,” Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them. Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.
I have told you this while I am still with you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.

REFLECTION 🤔
“ THE LOVE BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON.”

An advocate is a professional qualified to represent another in a court of law. Advocates support clients in various matters. Jesus describes an advocate who will come to assist his disciples at the appointed time: the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will described as “ the love between the Father and the Son.” This Spirit empowered the disciples to continue Jesus’s mission after He returned to His Father, enabling them to preach the Gospel to all nations, even in the face of adversity and martyrdom. The same Spirit has been given to us. Through baptism, we receive strength from the Holy Spirit, assuring us of Jesus’s enduring presence. In the Spirit, we carry on Christ’s mission in whatever vocation God has entrusted to us.

02/05/2026

5 TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 03, SUNDAY

PSALTER: Week 1( White)

PSALM 33:1-2.4-5.18-19(22)
“ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”

1St READING: ACTS 6:1-7*

THE 7 HELPERS
Some time later, as the number of disciples kept growing, there was a quarrel between the Greek- speaking Jews and the native Jews. The Greek speaking Jews claimed that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of funds. So the twelve apostles called the whole group of believers together and said,” It is not right for us to neglect the preaching of God’s word in order to handle finances. So then, friends, choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this matter. We ourselves, then, will give our full time to prayer and the work of preaching.”
The whole group was pleased with the apostle’s proposal, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a Gentile from Antioch who had earlier been converted to Judaism. The group presented them to the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them.
And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith.

2ND READING: 1 PETER 2:4-9

THE LIVING STONE AND THE HOLY
NATION

Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. For the Scripture says,
“ I chose a valuable stone, which
I am placing as the cornerstone
in Zion; and whoever believes
in Him will never be
disappointed.”
This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe:
“ The stone which the builders
rejected as worthless turned
out to be the most important
of all.”
And another Scripture says,
“ This is the stone that will make
people stumble, the rock that will
make them fall.”
They stumble because they did not believe in the word; such was God’s will for them.
But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 14:1-12

JESUS THE WAY TO THE FATHER

“ Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “ Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am. You know the way that leads to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him,” Lord, we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?”
Jesus answered him, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except me. Now that you have known me,” he said to them,” you will know my Father also, and from now on you do know him and you have seen him.”
Philip said to him,” Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need.”
Jesus answered,” For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, ‘ Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you,” Jesus said to his disciples,” do not come from me. The Father, who remains in me, does his own work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do. I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do- yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father. “

LECTIO DIVINA:
“ HE HAS PROMISED US A PLACE IN THE FATHER’ S HOUSE “

READ:
In the first reading, the number of Christ’s followers continued to grow while practical everyday concerns interfered with the life of the Church. This situation led to the establishment of the Church’s ministry of deacons. In the second reading, Peter reminds Christians of their dignity as a people chosen by God, a point emphasized by Jesus in the gospel when he told his disciples that those who believe in him have place in the Father’s House.

REFLECTION 🤔
In a world filled with fake news, false ideologies, and rampant individualism, we are reminded that Jesus is the only path to life. Being a Christian is not about following rules or ideologies but about the Lord, who guides us to authentic existence. In a society that reduces truth to mere opinion, we are called to focus on the truth of Jesus’s teachings. He alone is Life and the giver of life. While our physical bodies signify our earthly existence, our inner spiritual life imparts deeper meaning, affirming that we are God’s children and part of His plans. As Christians, we are not bound to this world but to an enduring life with the Father in Christ, who has promised us a place in the Father’s House.

Prayer 🙏
Lord, always remind me that being a Christian is not a one time event but a reality to live out daily.

Action:
Demonstrate your faith in Jesus by sharing goodness and love with others.

Bible Ｖerse and Catechism