Daily Readings - Wed Apr 11 2018

First Reading - Acts 5.17-26

¹⁷Then the high priest and all those who were with him, that is, the heretical sect of the Sadducees, rose up and were filled with jealousy¹⁸And they laid hands on the Apostles, and they placed them in the common prison¹⁹But in the night, an Angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, saying²⁰"Go and stand in the temple, speaking to the people all these words of life.²¹And when they had heard this, they entered the temple at first light, and they were teaching. Then the high priest, and those who were with him, approached, and they called together the council and all the elders of the sons of Israel. And they sent to the prison to have them brought²²But when the attendants had arrived, and, upon opening the prison, had not found them, they returned and reported to them²³saying: "We found the prison certainly locked up with all diligence, and the guards standing before the door. But upon opening it, we found no one within.²⁴Then, when the magistrate of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were uncertain about them, as to what should happen²⁵But someone arrived and reported to them, "Behold, the men whom you placed in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.²⁶Then the magistrate, with the attendants, went and brought them without force. For they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned

Gospel - John 3.16-21

John

Chapter 3

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world, in order to judge the world, but in order that the world may be saved through him¹⁸Whoever believes in him is not judged. But whoever does not believe is already judged, because he does not believe in the name of the only-begotten Son of God¹⁹And this is the judgment: that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness more than light. For their works were evil²⁰For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not go toward the Light, so that his works may not be corrected²¹But whoever acts in truth goes toward the Light, so that his works may be manifested, because they have been accomplished in God.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the choice between light and darkness. The First Reading from Acts recounts the Apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission despite imprisonment and opposition. Freed by an angel, they continue to teach boldly, embodying the courage and resilience that defines their faith. The Gospel from John presents the iconic verse about God's love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. It contrasts light and darkness, urging us to embrace the light of truth and goodness over the shadows of evil. The context of these readings is crucial. Acts highlights the early Christian community's struggles against religious authorities, illustrating the tension between tradition and the new message of Christ. The Apostles' perseverance underscores the importance of standing firm in faith despite adversity. In John, Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus emphasizes the transformative power of belief and the judgment that comes from rejecting the light. Together, these passages remind us that our faith is not just a belief but a way of life that requires courage and commitment. These readings relate to each other through the theme of standing firm in faith amidst challenges. The Apostles in Acts face persecution yet continue their mission, while John's Gospel calls us to choose light over darkness. This duality encourages us to reflect on our own lives—how do we respond to challenges? Do we shrink back, or do we stand firm, trusting in God's plan? In our daily lives, we face moments where our faith is tested. Whether it's standing up for our beliefs or choosing right over wrong, these readings inspire us to act with courage. The moral lesson here is clear: perseverance and trust in God's plan are essential. Just as the Apostles trusted God's guidance, we too can navigate life's challenges with faith, knowing that our actions reflect our commitment to the light of Christ. As we go forth, let us remember that our faith is a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. May we embrace the courage of the Apostles and the transformative power of Christ's love, choosing each day to walk in the light and share its radiance with others.