Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection June 07, 2025

07th June 2025 (Saturday)

Psalter: Week 3

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7 R. (see 7b)

R/. The upright shall behold your face, O Lord. Or: Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. I will send the spirit of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth.

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: John 21:20-25

At that time: Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Saturday – 7th Week of Easter

Main Point: Where there is passion, there is conviction. This endows one with a boldness that no affliction and persecution can hinder

1. In life there is curiosity, eagerness and inquisitiveness. It is part of human nature. We want to know many things that we do not know. All the more, many are curious to know about others. It is understandable and is not always blameworthy. But the problem is when it serves no purpose.

2. In the case of a good many, this excess inquisitiveness comes in the way of clarity of priorities. Instead of seeking the priorities, they try to interfere in others’ affairs. This is the same unnecessary interest that prompted Peter to ask Jesus about the fate and destiny of the other beloved disciple. We need not make too much about Jesus rebuking Peter or about sympathizing with him.

3. The point here is not whether it is right or wrong. The main issue is: focus on one’s mission. Just in the previous passage and episode, Peter was entrusted with a great mission.

4. So, his whole concern must be about it, about how to be faithful to his mission. Why should he distract and bother himself with other secondary things? What matters most is what happens to the mission and not so much about what happens to the others.

5. What is most important in anyone’s and everyone’s life is to bear witness to the Lord. It is sad that many disciples get distracted, deviated and lost in many other trivial things and neglect the essentials.

6. How exemplary is the spirit of Paul! He was always and everywhere totally focused on his mission. Nothing could distract or divert him or reduce his fervour. No threats of the authorities could suppress his passion. No afflictions could play down his commitment. He was on his mission “with boldness and without hindrance.

My Practice: Jesus reprimanded Peter for his over inqusitiveness, “What is that to you? You follow me”. Today the Lord’s rebuke reaches to all who are engaged in useless slander or politicking or worthless self-interests. “What is that to you? As for you, follow me”.