In those days, as the number of disciples increased, the Greek-speaking ones murmured against the Hebrew-speaking ones because, in the daily assistance, their widows were neglected.
Then the Twelve summoned the group of disciples and said: «It is not right that we leave aside the word of God to serve at tables. Therefore, brethren, seek among you seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to whom we will entrust this task. We, on the other hand, will dedicate ourselves to prayer and to the service of the Word".
The whole group liked this proposal and they chose Stefano, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Pròcoro, Nicànore, Timone, Parmenàs and Nicola, a proselyte from Antiòchia. They presented them to the apostles and, after praying, laid their hands on them.
And the word of God spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly; a great multitude of priests also adhered to the faith.
Rejoice, you righteous, in the Lord; for upright men praise is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the lyre, with the ten-string harp sung to him. R.
Because the word of the Lord is straight and every work of his is faithful. He loves it justice and the law; dell 'love the earth is full of the Lord. R.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, about who hopes for his love, to deliver him from death and feed him in time of hunger. R.
Second Reading
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.From the first letter of Saint Peter the Apostle 1Pt 2,4-9
Dear ones, as you approach the Lord, living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious before God, as living stones are you also built as a spiritual building, for a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God, by JesusChrist.
In fact, we read in Scripture: "Behold, I am setting a cornerstone in Zion, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it will not be disappointed".
Honor therefore to you who believe; but for those who don't believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become a cornerstone and a stumbling block, a stone of scandal.
They stumble because they don't obey the Word. This was what they were meant for. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who God it is purchased to proclaim the admirable deeds of him, who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to Father if not through me. (Jn 14:6)
Alleluia.
Gospel
I am the way, the truth and the life.
The Word of May 7, 2023 4
From the Gospel according to John Jn 14:1-12
During that time, Jesus He said to his disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and have faith in me too. In the house of Father mine there are many mansions. If not, would I have ever said to you: "I'm going to prepare a place for you"? When I have gone and prepared a place for you, I will come again and take you with me, so that where I am you may also be. And to the place where I am going, you know the way."
Thomas said to him: «Lord, we don't know where you are going; how can we know the way?” he told him Jesus: «I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to Father if not through me. If you have known me, you will also know the Father mine: from now on you know him and have seen him".
Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father and that's enough." He answered him Jesus: «I've been with you for a long time and you haven't met me, Filippo? Who has seen me, he has seen the Father. How can you say: “Show us the Father”? You don't believe I'm in the Father and the Father is it in me? The words that I speak to you, I do not speak from myself; but the Father, who remains in me, does his works.
Believe me: I am in the Father and the Father it's in me. If nothing else, believe it for the works themselves. Very truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do and will do greater works than these, for I am going to the Father".
I am sure I will be eternally happy, because I sincerely hope I am and it is from you, mine God, che lo spero: ” In te, Signore, ho riposto la mia speranza; non sarò mai deluso” (Sal 31,2).
Lo so, ahimè! so fin troppo che sono fragile e incostante; so quanto possono le tentazioni contro le virtù meglio consolidate; ho visto cadere gli astri dal cielo e le colonne del firmamento.
Ma tutto ciò non può toccarmi finché spererò; sono al riparo da tutte le disgrazie e sono certo di sperare sempre, perché spero con questa speranza che non cambia. Infine, sono certo che non si spera mai troppo in voi e non posso avere meno di quanto avrei sperato da voi.
Così spero che mi terrete nelle inclinazioni più impetuose, che mi sosterrete contro i più furiosi assalti e farete trionfare la mia debolezza sui miei più terribili nemici.
I hope you will always love me and I will love you without ceasing; and, to take my hope immediately as far as it can go, I hope yourself to you, my dear God, for time and for eternity! Amen
WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER
He introduces us to the Father, ci fa conoscere questa vita interiore che Lui ha.
And to whom does he reveal this the Father? To whom does he give this grace? 'I praise you, o Father, Signore del Cielo e della Terra, perché hai nascosto queste cose ai sapienti e ai dotti e le hai rivelate ai piccoli’.
Only those who have hearts like little ones, who are capable of receiving this revelation, humble, meek hearts, who feel the need to pray, to open themselves to God, si sente povero; soltanto quello che va avanti con la prima Beatitudine: i poveri di spirito.
Chiediamo al Signore di avvicinarci più, più, più al suo mistero e di farlo sulla strada che Lui vuole che noi facciamo: la strada dell’umiltà, la strada della mitezza, la strada della povertà, la strada del sentirci peccatori.
So He comes to save us, to free us. May the Lord give us this grace. (Santa Martha, December 2, 2014)
