Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Reflections Thursday June 2, 2022
Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Reflection
Thursday June 2, 2022
Reading I Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Wishing to determine the truth about why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander freed him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them. Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. A great uproar occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst and take him into the compound. The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
Responsorial Psalm 16:1-2a and 5,7-8,9-10,11
R. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
1. I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.” O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.
2. I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
3. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
Alleluia Jn 17:21
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.
Gospel Jn 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”
Catholic Daily Reflection Thursday June 2, 2022
In today’s passage, Jesus continued his prayer for his disciples. Clearly he was concerned about them and their welfare. Jesus had experienced the tension and conflict that arose among his disciples at times. He knew that the path ahead of them would be painful and difficult. He also realized that if they were divided or at odds with one another, they would not be able to carry out His mission.
Jesus prayed not only for his disciples but he also prayed for all who would believe in him, no matter what century or nation the believers would live in. Jesus longs for you and me to be one with him and with God, just as he longed for his disciples to experience this loving unity.
Can you remember a time in your life when you had a deep and loving sense of Jesus being present with you? Take a moment and remember that time. What emotions did you experience: awe, joy, confusion, or perhaps elation?
These moments of intimacy with Jesus are gift and grace. We cannot manufacture these experiences. However, we can open ourselves to them and we can ask to be graced with such love and peace. Today may we be open and attentive to the ways Jesus may come to us. At times Jesus comes in the most unexpected people or small happenings. Stay alert and be watchful!
