Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection May 23, 2026

23rd May 2026 (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 emotion, there is conviction. This gives you the courage that no amount of pain and oppression can take away.

1. Eager, curious, and interested is a normal part of life. We want to know a lot of things we don’t know, and even more, many people are interested in learning about other people. This is normal and not always a bad thing, but it becomes a problem when it doesn’t serve any purpose.

2. For many, this over-inquisitiveness gets in the way of setting clear priorities. Instead of doing that, they try to get involved in other people’s lives. It was this kind of unneeded interest that led Peter to ask Jesus about the other beloved disciple’s fate and destiny. We don’t need to make a big deal out of Jesus rebuking Peter or feeling sorry for him.

3. The point is not whether it is right or wrong, but how to focus on one’s task. In the last chapter and show, Peter was given a very important job to do.

4. That’s why he should be worried about everything: how to stay true to his goal. Why should he worry about other things that aren’t important? What happens to the mission is what matters most, not what happens to the others.

5. Being an example for the Lord is the most important thing in everyone’s life. It’s sad that many followers get sidetracked by other things and forget about the important things.

6. Paul had an amazing spirit! He was always and everywhere totally focused on his mission. Nothing could take his attention away or weaken his resolve. Threats from the authorities could not quench his passion, and sickness could not weaken his dedication. He was on his mission “with boldness and without hindrance.”

My Practice: Jesus told Peter to stop being so curious, “What is that to you? You follow me?” This is still the Lord’s message to people who are gossiping, playing politics, or pursuing pointless self-interests today: “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.”