Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 16:1-10; PS 100:1b-2, 3, 5; Jn 15:18-21
Notes: There was a disagreement, to put it mildly. Paul and Barnabas could not come to agreement about how to treat John-Mark, who had deserted them at Pamphylia. They had to agree to disagree and divide their efforts. This thread of how to treat people who have failed in some way and now seeks return to the fold has been replayed over and over again in the history of the Church.
- As we know John-Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark.
- The Apostle Paul went on his second amazing journey.
The story of Paul in Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, Athens, Corinth and back to Syria is amazing and as riveting in a way like the life of Jesus.
Who, though, do you suppose was the Macedonian pleading for help in the dream?
The spiritual appeal of many silent souls seeking God but not finding Him in the current ways. They needed someone to introduce them to The Name.
People don’t need our moralism.
People need Jesus.
Even when there is danger we are to bring The Name of the One who Saves.
First reading
During the night Paul had a vision.
A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words,
“Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
When he had seen the vision,
we sought passage to Macedonia at once,
concluding that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.
Responsorial Psalm
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Alleluia Verse
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Gospel Portion
Remember the word I spoke to you,
‘No slave is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 