Daily Readings - Tue May 09 2017

First Reading - Acts 11.19-26

¹⁹And some of them, having been dispersed by the persecution that had occurred under Stephen, traveled around, even to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to no one, except to Jews only²⁰But some of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they had entered into Antioch, were speaking also to the Greeks, announcing the Lord Jesus²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them. And a great number believed and were converted to the Lord²²Now the news came to the ears of the Church at Jerusalem about these things, and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch²³And when he had arrived there and had seen the grace of God, he was gladdened. And he exhorted them all to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart²⁴For he was a good man, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord²⁵Then Barnabas set out for Tarsus, so that he might seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch²⁶And they were conversing there in the Church for an entire year. And they taught such a great multitude, that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first known by the name of Christian

Gospel - John 10.22-30

John

Chapter 10

²²Now it was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem, and it was winter²³And Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon²⁴And so the Jews surrounded him and said to him: "How long will you hold our souls in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.²⁵Jesus answered them: "I speak to you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in the name of my Father, these offer testimony about me²⁶But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep²⁷My sheep hear my voice. And I know them, and they follow me²⁸And I give them eternal life, and they shall not perish, for eternity. And no one shall seize them from my hand²⁹What my Father gave to me is greater than all, and no one is able to seize from the hand of my Father³⁰I and the Father are one.

Sermon

The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community’s expansion beyond Jerusalem, as believers, dispersed by persecution, carry the Gospel to new regions. In Antioch, the Good News reaches Gentiles, and many come to faith. Barnabas, a leader filled with the Holy Spirit, is sent to support this growing church, and he brings Saul (Paul) to join the mission. This passage highlights the Church’s universality and the Spirit’s guidance in its growth. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks during the Feast of the Dedication, a time of renewal and remembrance of God’s faithfulness. When questioned about his identity, Jesus emphasizes that his works and the Father’s will testify to who he is. He describes his sheep as those who hear his voice and follow him, promising eternal life and security in the Father’s care. Jesus’ words underscore the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock, rooted in trust and obedience. Today’s readings remind us that faith is not confined to a particular place or people. Like the early Christians in Antioch, we are called to share the Gospel with others, trusting in God’s plan. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites us to listen to his voice and follow him with courage and fidelity. Let us embrace this call, trusting in the Father’s care and unity with Christ, as we strive to live as his disciples in a world in need of his love.