FIRST READING     
They devoted themselves to prayer with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostle (Acts1:12-14)

(After Jesus was taken up into heaven,) the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away; and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM   Luke1:46-47.48-49.50-51.52-53.54-55 (R. 49)
R. He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is his name.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my savior. R.

For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generation will call me blessed;
For he who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is his name. R.

And his mercy is on those who fear him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. R.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM   Luke1:46-47.48-49.50-51.52-53.54-55 (R. 49)
R. He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is his name.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalt those of low degree;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich he has sent empty away. R.

He has helped his servant Israel,
In remembrance of his mercy,
As he spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his posterity forever. R.

ALLELUIA     
ALLELUIA  Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise. You are the Mother of Christ, you are the Mother of the Church. ALLELUIA

Gospel  
And the mother of Jesus was there.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John  (John 2:1-11)

At that time: There was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what is that to you or to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.” So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who has drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

We glorify God for the gift of our Heavenly Mother whom we honour today as our Lady Mother of Africa. Her role on our continent cannot be overemphasized.  She reigns as a caring and an observant Queen of every Continent, at the side of her Son the King of the World.  She is for the reason a credible intercessor for all our needs here on our Continent. We acknowledge her position as Our Lady and Mother and beseech her intercession for all her distressed and anguished  children dispersed all over the African landscape and beyond and for countries hijacked by bad leaders and torn apart by hate, anger and dishonesty. Mary Our Lady, Mother of Africa pray for us.

FIRST READING
Of David’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:13-25)

Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem; but they passed on from Perga and came to Antioch of Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue send to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel, and you that fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. And for about forty years he bore with them in the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie. ”’

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM    Psalm 89:2-3.2 I -22.25 and 27 (R. 2a)
R. I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord.
Or: Alleluia.

I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord;
through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.
I have declared your mercy is established forever;
your fidelity stands firm as the heavens. R.

I have found my servant David,
and with my holy oil anointed him.
My hand shall always be with him,
and my arm shall make him strong. R.

My mercy and my faithfulness shall be with him;
by my name his might shall be exalted.
He will call out to me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the rock of my salvation.’ R.

ALLELUIA Revelation 1:5ac
Alleluia. Jesus Christ, you are a faithful witness, the first-born of the dead; you have loved us and washed our sins in your blood. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                     
“He who receives any one whom I send receives me.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 13: 16-20)

[When Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples, he said to them,] “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me. ’ I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me.”

This is the word of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

Paul and Barnabas on mission first go naturally to Jewish communities in the Gentile world. As did the apostles in Jerusalem, they use the sound method of proclaiming to the people that Jesus is the fulfilment of their messianic hopes.  In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that their happiness and success will depend on their remembering and living by the examples He personally has given them.  The Gospel is from John 13, where Jesus proves Himself the disciples’ servant by washing their feet.  Acceptance of little ones in Jesus’ name teaches one to imitate Him, our master.  These readings emphasize the importance of being connected to God’s promises in Christ. They also draw our attention to the need for child protection.

FIRST READING                                                 
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul,”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 12:24-13:5a)

In those days: The word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, bringing with them John whose other name was Mark. Now in the Church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSOR IAL PSALM Psalm 67:2-3.5.6 and 8 (R. 4)
R/. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the people praise you!
Or: Alleluia.

O God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your salvation. R.

Let the nations be glad and shout for joy,
with uprightness you rule the peoples;
you guide the nations on earth. R.

Let the peoples praise you,
O God; let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
that all the ends of the earth may revere him. R.

ALLELUIA John 8:12
Alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“I have come as light into the world.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 12:44-50)

At that time: Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

In the first reading, we see how a believing community prays and engages in a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life and mission.  The community in Antioch hears God’s voice while listening together in prayer.  Among their leaders are Africans:  Lucius of Cyrene and Simon called Niger (Black). Guided by the Spirit, they send their best teachers on mission.  In the Gospel, Jesus too declares that his entire mission by word and deed comes not from Himself but from His listening to, and responding faithfully to God. This is a lesson for us today, who tend to celebrate ourselves and each other for our diverse “achievements”.

FIRST READING
“They spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:19-26)

In those days: Those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 87: 1-3.4-5.6-7 (Psalm 117:1a)
R. O praise the Lord, all you nations.
Or: Alleluia.

Founded by him on the holy mountain,
the Lord loves the gates of Sion,
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Of you are told glorious things, you, O city of God! R.

“Rahab and Babylon I will count
among those who know me;
Of Tyre, Philistia, Ethiopia, it is told,
‘There was this one born. ’
But of Sion it shall be said,  
‘Each one was born in her. ”’
He, the Most High, established it. R.

In his register of peoples the Lord writes,
“Here was this one born.”
The singers cry out in chorus,
“In you, all find their home.” R.

ALLELUIA John 10:27
Alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                     
“I and the Father are one.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 10:22-30)

It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

The Holy Spirit continues to move the early Christians progressively to the full inclusion of Gentiles in God’s family.  Cornelius, a God-fearer, is an associate of Judaism. The Gentiles mentioned in the first reading are pure Gentiles.  The identity of those who achieved this radical breakthrough in Gospel inclusivity is unknown. The believers could indeed be called Christians, followers of Christ, because they had finally arrived at embracing people of all nations.  This mixed Jewish and Gentile community in Antioch formed Barnabas and Paul for their universal mission to the Gentiles. Jesus’ first disciples’ openness sharply contrasts with the Jews’ stubbornness in rejecting Jesus.  How do we participate in this mission of the Spirit?

FIRST READING                
“Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11: 1-18)

In those days: The apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” But Peter began and explained to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ “But I said, ‘No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth. ’ “But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ “This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brethren also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household. ’ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit. ’ If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” When they heard this they were silenced. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  Psalm 42:2-3; 43 :3.4 (R. see 42:3ab)
R/. My soul is thirsting for you, the living God.
or:  Alleluia.

Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
so my soul is yearning for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God, the living God;
when can I enter and appear before the face of God? R.

O send forth your light and your truth;
they will guide me on.
They will bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell. R.

And I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and gladness.
To you will I give thanks on the harp,
O God, my God. R.

ALLELUIA John 10: 14
Alleluia. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own, and my own know me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“I am the door of the sheep.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 10:1-10)

At that time: Jesus said, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figures Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection

The Spirit continues to move Jesus’ Jewish disciples to open up and without discrimination embrace Gentiles as substantial members of God’s family.  In the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, God officially uses Peter, leader of the Church, to accomplish this.  The Jerusalem brethren are annoyed not because Peter baptized the Gentiles, but because He ate with them. Eating with anybody indicated oneness and intimate relationship.  While we all claim one Father and partake of the one body and blood of Christ, we need to watch out and not discriminate against people for diverse reasons.  Such contradictory actions prevent us from entering by the door, which is Christ.

FIRST READING                     
“The Church was built up,’ and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied ”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:31-42)

In those days: The Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied. Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas or Gazelle.  She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm  116: 12-13.14-1:5.16-17 (R. 12)
R/. How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to   me?
Or: Alleluia.

How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the name of the Lord. R.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people.
How precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful. R.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I,
the son of your handmaid;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the name of the Lord. R

ALLELUIA John 6:63c, 68c
Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL               
“To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6: 60-69)

At that time: Many of the disciples of Jesus said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus,  knowing in himself  that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, “Do you take offence at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer walked with him. Jesus said to the Twelve, “Will you also go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy  One of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Today’s Reflection
The words of Peter in response to Jesus when he asked if the twelve disciples would also walk away calls for some deep reflection. “Lord, to whom shall we go?” When it comes to God, do we really have a choice? Is there an alternative to God?

If we don’t find salvation from following God as his children and walking in his ways, where else can we find salvation for our souls? Do we turn to man or to science or to technology? Are there better gods out there than the One True God who created the heavens and the earth? If we do not find God’s words as palatable as we desire and decide to throw the Bible aside, where else can we turn to?

That which we are looking for by coming God is something which only God can provide. Our walk with God cannot be smooth all the time, there will definitely be rock-bottom moments, things would surely happen against our will and there would be times God would require very painful choices from us. Yes, we would be tempted to walk away again and again. You may be going through a very tough time right now, your faith may have been shattered by scandal; things may be happening that you just don’t understand but I beg you, don’t give up on God. Do not walk away. Don’t drop that cross.

FIRST READING    
“He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles. ”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:1-20)

In those days: Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying, and he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised, and took food and was strengthened. For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And in the synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm117:1.2 (R. Mark 16:15)
R. Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel.
Or: Alleluia.

O praise the Lord, all you nations;
acclaim him, all you peoples! R.    

For his merciful love has prevailed over us;
and the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. R.

ALLELUIA John 6:56
Alleluia. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord. Alleluia.

GOSPEL         
“My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6:52-59)

At that time: The Jews disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever.” This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Today’s Reflection
“Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.” God deserves all glory at all times. We are all instruments in the hands of God, and whatever good we achieve is contingent upon the grace of God. This implies recognition and gratitude; we recognise God as the source of the grace and we give him thanks for the blessings. This Christian response of recognition and gratitude to divine benevolence does not add to the greatness of God but only makes the subject more worthy of receiving greater blessings. We should always know that, no matter what our situation is, it could have been worse if not for the grace of God. As such, in all situations, we must give thanks to God.