Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning
Reading 1 Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with the soldier who was guarding him.
Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews.
When they had gathered he said to them, "My brothers,
although I had done nothing against our people
or our ancestral customs,
I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem.
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty.
But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar,
even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains."
He remained for two full years in his lodgings.
He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance
and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7
R. (see 7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold,
his searching glance is on mankind.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia John 16:7, 13
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel John 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?"
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"
Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?"
It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also many other things that Jesus did,
but if these were to be described individually,
I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
May 23, 2026 // Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 21:20-25
Reflect on the Word //
My husband and I were seated at a restaurant, planning celebrations for each month of the year in honor of our fifty years together as husband and wife. Suddenly, qualms about what others might think of our plans intruded into my thoughts. When I voiced these qualms to my husband, he redirected me back to our life together and God’s faithfulness to us, reminding me that it’s ultimately Him we are celebrating.
In today’s Gospel, Peter and the other disciples have been with the Risen Christ all day. They’ve eaten breakfast with Him on the seashore and Peter has thrice clearly professed his love for Jesus, after which Jesus commands Peter to follow Him. Something about seeing John leads Peter to ask, “What about him?” (John 21:21) But Jesus patiently redirects Peter: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me” (John 21:22) .
Part of me cringes at Jesus’ response to Peter. Then a question arises. Do I sometimes cloak my own inordinate concerns about others’ lives under the guise of compassion while forgetting the one thing Jesus asks of me in the moment? When I look again, I see Jesus’ patience and kindness toward both Peter and John. He knows well their temperaments and gifts and asks of each only what they can give. Following, for John, is not the same as it is for Peter; each disciple’s relationship with God is distinctive. Each has their role to play in God’s plan for them and for the world.
It’s the same for you and me, dear sister. We each have an essential and unique role in God’s plan. We needn’t be scared of what He may require. He takes into account our temperaments, our experiences and our gifts and provides everything we need. He only asks us to follow wherever He leads.
Relate to the Lord // Where has comparison been sneaking in and stealing your peace? Tell Jesus about it and rest in His unique and perfect love for you.
Lani Bogart was born in Hawaii and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. She was a small child when she began to love Jesus. She’s at home in Texas with her woodworker Deacon husband near their children and grandchildren, Lani is also an active spiritual director and trauma healing volunteer. You can read more at Lanibogart.blog
Lani Bogart nació en Hawaii y creció en Ohio y Michigan. Era una niña pequeña cuando empezó a amar a Jesús. Está en su casa en Texas con su esposo, un carpintero diácono, cerca de sus hijos y nietos. Lani también es una directora espiritual activa y voluntaria de curación de traumas. Puedes leer más en Lanibogart.blog
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