Gloria. Preface of the Apostles.
READING Acts 1, 15-17. 20-26
Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
After the Lord's Ascension, Peter stood up among the brothers—about 120 people were gathered—and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke through David about Judas, who was the leader of those who arrested Jesus. He was one of us and had received his share in our ministry. In the Book of Psalms it is written: 'Let his house be desolate, with no one living in it.' And further on: 'Let someone else take his place.' It is necessary that one of those who have been with us during the entire time the Lord Jesus was with us, from the baptism of John until the day of his Ascension, be appointed with us as a witness of his resurrection." Two were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas, also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed thus: "Lord, you who know the hearts of all, show us which of the two you have chosen to carry out the ministry of the apostleship that Judas had left when he went to his proper place." They cast lots, and the choice fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven Apostles. Word of God.
Commentary : The community needs to find a replacement for Judas and is consulted. Saint Peter proposes three criteria for selection: being a member of the community formed around Jesus, having been with him, and being a witness to the resurrection. This event is an encouragement that invites our communities to pray for vocations and present candidates for various services.
PSALM Ps 112, 1-8
R. The Lord made him sit among the nobles of his people.
Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and forever. R.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised. The Lord is above all nations, his glory rises above the heavens. R.
Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who bends down to look down on heaven and earth? R.
He raises the needy from the dust and lifts the afflicted from their misery, to seat them with the nobles, with the nobles of his people. R.
ALLELUIA Cf. Jn 15, 16
Alleluia. "I chose you out of the world to go and bear fruit that will last," says the Lord. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Jn 15, 9-17
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
At the hour of passing from this world to the Father, Jesus said to his disciples: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: Love one another, as I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit that will last. So whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. What I command you is to love one another. Word of the Lord.
Commentary : Christian coexistence involves two inseparable aspects: remaining in Jesus and committing ourselves to our neighbor through charity. Therefore, it is necessary to align our mind and heart with Jesus so that the fruits may be born. God has chosen us out of love and to advance his Kingdom in this world. But his plan is not always accepted. Those of us who have accepted it, following Jesus' example, become, with him, a generating current of his love.