Thursday of the Fifth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles

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."

Psalms

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.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John

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."

St. José Maria Rubio y Peralta(Priest (1864-1929))

St. José Maria Rubio y PeraltaPriest (1864 - 1929) St. José was born in Spain in 1864 to a large family of farmers. He entered the seminary when he was 12 in 1876. After his ordination in 1887, Fr. José was both a parish priest and professor at the seminary in Madrid. After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Fr. José asked his bishop's permission to join the Society of Jesus. He had postponed the dream in order to care for an elderly priest. Fr. José took his first vows as a Jesuit when he was 44. He became known as the “Apostle of Madrid.” People came to him from great distances to receive the Sacrament of Penance - where they encountered the "Wonderful Counselor ... Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6). Fr. José ministered to the poor and preached their cause. Many lay people came to him asking how they could help. He guided them to open tuition-free schools, clinics, housing for needy families and jobs for the unemployed. Fr. José also provided for their spiritual needs. He administered the sacraments and guided souls to Christ through spiritual direction. At the center of the Priest’slife and ministry was his love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He told the people that prayer must always come first. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1985.

St. Athanasius(Bishop & Doctor of the Church (+ 373))

SAINT ATHANASIUS Bishop & Doctor of the Church(+ 373) St. Athanasius was born in Egypt toward the end of the third century. In his youth, he cultivated piety, learning and knowledge of sacred writings. Athanasius' faithfulness and diligence befitted one whom God chose to be a champion and defender against the Arian heresy. Though only a deacon, Athanasius accompanied his bishop to the Council of Nicæa in 325. His learning and ability saw him defend the Faith in compelling and inspired tongues. A few months later, he was appointed patriarch of Alexandria. For 46 years, he bore the full brunt of the Arian heresy. When Patr. Athanasius refused to restore Arius the heretic to Catholic communion, the emperor ordered Constantinople's patriarch to do so. Patr. Athanasius made every effort to move the emperor, and had recourse to fasting and prayer. When the day came for Arius' solemn entrance into the great church of Sancta Sophia, he died on the way and the sacrilege was averted. Patr. Athanasius stood unmoved against four Roman emperors although he was exiled five times, the victim of perpetual calumny and living in constant peril of death. Firm and adamant in his defense of the Faith, St. Athanasius was meek and humble, pleasant and winning in conversation. He was beloved by his flock and unwearied in works, prayer, mortifications and zeal for souls. In 373, Athanasius' stormy life closed in peace. He left the Church with the whole and ancient Faith, defended and explained in clear, keen and stately writings.He is honored as one of the great doctors of the Church.

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2024 / Catholic Missal of may 2024