FIRST READING
Behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:44-52)
The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted what was spoken by Paul, and reviled him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.”’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98: 1 .2-3ab.3cd-4 (R. 3cd)
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Or: Alleluia.
O sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation. R.
The Lord has made known his salvation,
has shown his deliverance to the nations.
He has remembered his merciful love
and his truth for the house of Israel. R.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song,
and sing out your praise. R.
ALLE LUIA John 8:31b-32
Alleluia. If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14:7-14)
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
This month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, begins with the feast of St. Joseph the worker, the blessed spouse of Mary, and the foster father of Jesus Christ. God created us and gave us a mandate to fill the earth and subdue it. This mandate means we are to work and there is dignity in labour. St Joseph was a carpenter who appreciated his work and gave it all his best. We too must learn to appreciate and be diligent in what we do. Our sincere dedication, commitment and the blessings of God on the work of our hands are the true meaning of success. Without God we are nothing and our efforts are fruitless.