Sunday, 11 May, 4th Sunday of Easter

Today is also Mother's Day. We include a special intention for mothers in the Prayers of the faithful.

Readings — Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps.100:1-2, 3, 5; Rev. 7:9, 14-17; Jn. 10:27-30.

1. 1st Reading, Acts 13:14, 43-52 — In the 1st 12 verses of Chapter 14, the Antiochene Christian community, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, sends Barnabas and Saul as missionaries. They proclaim the word of God in Salamis where John assists them. They convert the proconsul of Paphos (vv. 1-12). From Paphos, they sail to Perga in Pamphylia where John leaves them to return to Jerusalem (v. 13).

2. They proceed to Antioch in Pisidia, where Paul proclaims the Gospel in the synagogue (vv. 14-42), and many are converted. But on the sabbath, synagogue officials contradict Paul's preaching. Yet Paul and Barnabas speak boldly, saying that since the Jews reject the good news of Jesus, they now turn to the Gentiles (vv. 43-47). The Gentiles are delighted and believe in God's word. But the Jews incite prominent men and women against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from the city. So the missionaries go to Iconium where the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (vv. 48-52).

3. Resp. Ps. 100:1-2, 3-5 — A Psalm of Thanksgiving. "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness" (v.2). "Know that the Lord is God, he made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the flock he shepherds. Enter his gates with thanksgiving.... bless his name; good, indeed, is the Lord." His mercy and faithfulness endure forever (vv. 3-5).

4. 2nd Reading, Rev. 7:9, 14-17 — John has a vision of the elect receiving the seal of the living God to protect them from cataclysm (vv. 1-8). Then he has a second vision. Countless multitudes "from every nation, race, people and tongue" stand before the heavenly throne and before the Lamb. They wear white robes and hold palm branches (v. 9).

5. "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (v. 14).

"For this reason, they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple." God will shelter them. They will not hunger nor thirst nor stricken by heat.

"For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to the springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (vv. 15-17).