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. Rita of Cascia(Widow & Religious (c. 1386-1456))

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA Widow (c. 1386-1456) St. Rita of Cascia was born in Rocca Porena, Italy, circa 1386. Her parents opposed her desire to become a nun and persuaded her to marry. However, her cruel husband lost his reputation in a short time. After being converted from his wicked ways, Rita's husband was murdered. Her two sons decided to take revenge, so Rita prayed and dissuaded them. Thanks to her intercession, they never committed mortal sin. When Rita's sons passed away, she applied for admission to the Augustinian Convent in Cascia. She was repeatedly refused until God cleared the obstacles. She joined the community and lived there for 42 years. She possessed the Beatitudes and heroic virtues. St. Rita's life shows that "God is wonderful in His saints." The many miracles obtained through her intercession have led Christians to call her "The Saint of the Impossible."

St. Julia(Virgin & Martyr (5th century))

SAINT JULIA Virgin, Martyr (5th century) Saint Julia was a Carthaginian noblewoman and virgin. She was enslaved after Genseric sacked Carthage in 439. She was sold to a Syrian merchant named Eusebius. The martyrologies remarked upon her piety in spite of hardships. Eusebius was charmed by Julia's virtues and took her with him on a voyage to Gaul. When they reached the northern part of Corsica, Eusebius cast anchor and went on shore to attend a pagan festival. Julia was left at a distance after she abstained. The governor, Felix, noticed Julia and asked why she insulted the gods. Eusebius replied that Julia was a Christian and would never renounce Jesus. She was so diligent and faithful that Eusebius declined Felix's offer of trading Julia for four female slaves. When Eusebius was asleep, Felix threatened Julia and ordered her to sacrifice to pagan gods. When he offered her freedom if she complied, she answered that she was free as long as she served Christ. Felix became indignant and struck Julia. He then sentenced her to having her hair torn off and her body hung from a cross until she died. After Julia's martyrdom, certain monks of the isle of Gorgon interred her body. In 763, the Lombard king Desiderius transferred her relics to Brescia, where her memory is still celebrated with joyful devotion.

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2025 / Catholic Missal of may 2025