Daily Scripture Readings
PENTECOST SUNDAY
May 19, 2024
First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
During the Feast of Pentecost, tongues of fire came to rest on the heads of the disciples and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Each disciple began speaking in a different language, and were understood by people from many different regions who were amazed at what they had witnessed.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Paul explains that we are all members of one body. We have all been baptized in one Spirit and although numerous, we are one through Christ.
Gospel: John 20:19-23
John describes Jesus’ first visit to the disciples after his resurrection. He gave them the Holy Spirit and the power to forgive other people or hold them responsible for their actions.
Monday
Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Jn 19:25-34
Tuesday
Jas 4:1-10; Mk 9:30-37
Wednesday
Jas 4:13-17; Mk 9:38-40
Thursday
Jas 5:1-6; Mk 9:41-50
Friday
Jas 5:9-12; Mk 10:1-12
Saturday
Jas 5:13-20; Mk 10:13-16
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 12, 2024
First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26
The disciples decided that someone should take the place of Judas, who killed himself in remorse for betraying Jesus. They nominated two who had been among them from the time of Jesus’ baptism to the crucifixion. Then they drew lots to decide who would join them as witnesses of the resurrection.
Second Reading: 1 John 4:11-16
John reminds us that God dwells in those who love one another. We have come to know God’s love for us. Only by loving one another can we be sure that God will remain with us always.
Gospel: John 17:11b-19
Jesus prays for his disciples at the Last Supper. He knows that by knowing the word of God as they do, they no longer belong to the world. He asks that God consecrate them in truth and protect them from the enemies they have made because of their belief in Jesus.
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
May 12, 2024
First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
Jesus had appeared many times to His disciples after His resurrection. On this final occasion, Jesus’ departing message is that they will soon receive the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their work. No sooner does He say this, he is taken up to heaven before their eyes.
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Paul prays that God may grant wisdom and enlightenment to the Ephesians so that they may know the great hope to which they are called. Every power has been given to Christ who now reigns in heaven. He is the “head of the church, which is His body.”
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20
Jesus told His disciples to go and spread the gospel to every creature, to the world. Jesus also spoke of the signs that will accompany those who believe in Christ. After He spoke with them, He was taken into heaven and took His seat the right hand of God.
Monday
Acts 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33
Tuesday
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Jn 15:9-17
Wednesday
Acts 20:28-38; Jn 17:11b-19
Thursday
Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26
Friday
Acts 25:13b-21; Jn 21:15-19
Saturday
Morning: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25
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SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 5, 2024
First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
Peter preaches to the Gentiles for the first time in the house of Cornelius. Peter realized that God would accept any person who acted uprightly, regardless of his or her heritage. Then the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles and Peter allowed them to be baptized in the name of Jesus.
Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-10
John advises all believers to love one another, for love is a gift from God. The person without love does not know God, whose love for us is so great he sent his only son so that we might have life through him.
Gospel: John 15:9-17
Jesus asks his disciples to live on in his love and to “Love one another as I have loved you.” He explains that he chose them to follow him, and promises if they keep his commandments they will have anything that they ask for in his name.
Monday
Acts 16:11-15; Jn 15:26—16:4a
Tuesday
Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11
Wednesday
Acts 17:15, 22—18:1; Jn 16:12-15
Thursday
Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 or
4:1-7, 11-13; Mk 16:15-20
Friday
Acts 18:9-18; Jn 16:20-23
Saturday
Acts 18:23-28; Jn 16:23b-28
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 28, 2024
First Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Paul the Apostle came to Jerusalem, where the other disciples were afraid of him. Then they learned that the Lord had spoken to Paul and he had preached openly in Damascus. When they learned that someone wanted to kill him, they protected him because they fully believed he had converted.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24
John clearly states that we must love one another. All people who believe in Jesus Christ can show their faith only through their actions. If people believe in Jesus and love one another as he commanded us, they prove that they are true believers in Christ.
Gospel: John 15:1-8
Jesus compares himself to a vine, and compares his father to the vine-grower. He explains how God prunes the barren branches so that the rest might yield more fruit. He reminds them that apart from himself, his followers could not bear fruit.
Monday
Acts 14:5-18; Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday
Acts 14:19-28; Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday
Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8 or, for the Memorial, Gn 1:26—2:3 or
Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Mt 13:54-58
Thursday
Acts 15:7-21; Jn 15:9-11
First Friday
1 Cor 15:1-8; Jn 14:6-14
First Saturday
Acts 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 21, 2024
First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
Peter explains to the elders that his healing of a cripple was done in the name of Jesus Christ. He reminds he elders that they crucified Jesus, but God rose him up so that all people could be saved in his name.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
John expresses amazement at the fact that God allowed us to be called his children. Although we are unsure exactly what we will be after this life, we do know that we will see God as he is and be like him.
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Jesus speaks of a shepherd working only for pay, with no real concern for the sheep being well cared for. But Jesus is our shepherd and would lay down his own life for all those in his flock. God loves him for his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of all God’s children.
Monday
Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:1-10
Tuesday
Acts 11:19-26; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday
Acts 12:24—13:5a; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday
1 Pt 5:5b-14; Mk 16:15-20
Friday
Acts 13:26-33; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday
Acts 13:44-52; Jn 14:7-14
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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 14, 2024
First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Peter reminds the people that they allowed Jesus to be killed, and preferred to allow a murderer to be released. But God raised him from the dead as had been prophesied. Therefore, all people should believe and turn to God, that their sins might be forgiven.
Second Reading: 1 John 2:1-5a
Jesus was offered up for the sins of the world. The only way to prove true faith in him, is to honor his commandments. Anyone who claims to believe, yet does not keep his word, does not truly believe.
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
Jesus appeared to two disciples, though at first they feared he was a ghost. Jesus ate with them to prove he was not a ghost. He explained that he had fulfilled the prophets words about him. He also explained that in his name they must preach doing penance for the forgiveness of sins.
Monday
Acts 6:8-15; Jn 6:22-29
Tuesday
Acts 7:51—8:1a; Jn 6:30-35
Wednesday
Acts 8:1b-8; Jn 6:35-40
Thursday
Acts 8:26-40; Jn 6:44-51
Friday
Acts 9:1-20; Jn 6:52-59
Saturday
Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69
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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 7, 2024
First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
This passage describes the actions of the first community of Christians. They were of “one heart and one mind.” They had no rich or poor among them, for they shared all necessary items with one another.
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
John explains that we become God’s children by believing in Jesus. When we love God and concern ourselves only with pleasing God, our faith is strong enough to conquer the evil in our world.
Gospel: John 20:19-31
Jesus appeared to the disciples despite locked doors, breathed on them so that they could receive the Holy Spirit, and gave them the power to forgive sins in his name. Thomas, who was not present, refused to believe without seeing Jesus for himself. Jesus appeared again when Thomas was present, and told him, “Blest are they who have not seen and have believed.”
Monday
Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday
Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday
Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21
Thursday
Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36
Friday
Acts 5:34-42; Jn 6:1-15
Saturday
Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21
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EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
March 31, 2024
First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Peter discusses Jesus’ life of preaching and healing. Jesus was crucified, then he rose up and was seen by his chosen witnesses. Peter also mentions the importance of all the disciples bearing witness to what they saw, so that many people would believe in Jesus, and have their sins forgiven through him.
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Paul asserts that we must pay attention to higher realms rather than earthly concerns. Our life is not yet completely known to us, until Christ appears and we are raised to glory in him.
Gospel: John 20:1-9
When Mary Magdalene discovered Jesus’ tomb was open, she told Simon Peter and another disciple. They ran to the tomb and Peter went inside. He found the burial wrappings on the ground, with the head covering separate from the rest. The other disciple came in and they believed what they saw, although until then they had not understood the Scripture’s message of Jesus’ resurrection.
Monday
Acts 2:14, 22-33; Mt 28:8-15
Tuesday
Acts 2:36-41; Jn 20:11-18
Wednesday
Acts 3:1-10; Lk 24:13-35
Thursday
Acts 3:11-26; Lk 24:35-48
First Friday
Acts 4:1-12; Jn 21:1-14
First Saturday
Acts 4:13-21; Mk 16:9-15