The readings carry the quiet brightness of resurrection into the day you actually have. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, "Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry. For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell in it;' and, 'Let another take his office.' "Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection." They put forward two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. They prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place." They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Praise the LORD! Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the LORD's name. Blessed be the LORD's name, from this time forward and forever more. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD's name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD, our God, who has his seat on high, who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth? He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
Gospel
John 15:9-17
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You didn't choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. "I command these things to you, that you may love one another.
A question for your journal
What small sign of life do you want to notice and keep today?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
Pray with the day
Keep the day with you.
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