Catholic Missal of the day: Thursday, May 18 2017

Thursday of the Fifth week of Easter

Thursday of the Fifth week of Easter

1. Reading

Acts of the Apostles

15,7-21.

]After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, "My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
]And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us.
]He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.
]Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?
]On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they."
]The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.
]After they had fallen silent, James responded, "My brothers, listen to me.
]Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name.
]The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written:
]'After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again,
]so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things,
]known from of old.'
]It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,
]but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.
]For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath."

Psalm

Psalms

96(95),1-2a.2b-3.10.

]Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
]Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
]Announce his salvation, day after day.
]Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.  
]Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.

Gospel

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John

15,9-11.

]Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
]If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
]I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."

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St. Venantius(Martyr († 250))

SAINT VENANTIUS Martyr ( 250) St. Venantius was born in Camerino, Italy. During the Decian persecution in 250 AD, he suffered repeated torture for his faith. With perfect love, he laid down his life and won the martyr's crown. Venantius was first chained to a pillar and scourged. Miraculously, he was rescued by an angel. When he was burnt with torches and hung over a fire, the judge's secretary witnessed an angel robed in white trampling out the fire and freeing him. Already an admirer thanks to Venantius' witness, the secretary proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized with his whole family. Shortly after, the judge's secretary was martyred. Venantius' tortures recommenced with persecutors breaking his teeth and jaws and throwing him into a furnace. Once again, he was rescued by an angel. He was led before the judge: when the latter fell headlong from his seat and died. These events were narrated to the governor, who ordered Venantius thrown to lions. Miraculously, the lions crouched at Venantius' feet and did not kill him. Venantius was dragged through heaps of brambles and thorns. Afterward, he made the sign of the cross over a rock, and cold, clear water sprang forth, quenching the soldiers' thirst. The miracle converted many who beheld it, whereupon the governor had Venantius and his converts beheaded. Venantius gained the martyr's crown at 15 years old. His relics and those of the converts are enshrined at San Venanzio, Camerino, Italy.

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St. John I()

misalcatolico.com

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2017 / Catholic Missal of may 2017