Gospel: April 29, 2026
April 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
4th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 4 (White)
St. Catherine of Siena, virgin & doctor
Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6& 8
O God, let all the nations praise you.
1st Reading: Acts 12:24—13:5a
Meanwhile the word of God was increasing and spreading. Barnabas and Saul carried out their mission and then came back to Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
There were at Antioch—in the Church which was there—prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon known as Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod, and Saul. On one occasion, while they were celebrating the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have called them.” So, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
These then, sent by the Holy Spirit, went down to the port of Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. Upon their arrival in Salamis they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogue.
Gospel: John 12: 44-50
Yet Jesus had said, and even cried out, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me, sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I am not the one to condemn him; for I have come, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me, and does not receive my words, already has a judge: the very words I have spoken will condemn him on the last day.
For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father, who sent me, has instructed me what to say and how to speak. I know that his commandment is eternal life, and that is why the message I give, I give as the Father instructed me.”
Reflection:
To share the light of Christ
Jesus proclaims his identity as the light of the world, sent by the Father to illuminate the path to salvation. He states, “I have come into the world as light so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Jesus emphasizes that his mission is not to judge but to save; however, rejecting his message results in judgment on the last day. His words, spoken on behalf of the Father, hold eternal significance and offer the promise of life to those who believe.
We are invited to embrace Jesus as the light that dispels the darkness of sin and despair. This calls us to live as people of the light, allowing His teachings to guide our choices and transform our lives. To believe in Him means stepping out of darkness into the fullness of truth, love, and hope.
We are also called to share the light of Christ with others, bravely witnessing His truth and offering hope to a world often shrouded in spiritual darkness.
