Daily Readings - Tue Apr 24 2018

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 readings today invite us to reflect on the growth of the early Church and the profound relationship between Jesus and his followers. In the first reading from Acts, we see the Church expanding beyond Jerusalem, even to Gentiles, as Barnabas and Saul minister in Antioch. This growth, despite the challenges of persecution, shows the power of the Holy Spirit guiding the early Christians. The term "Christian" is first used here, signifying a new identity rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about his sheep hearing his voice and following him, emphasizing the intimate bond between him and his disciples. He assures them of eternal life and security in his care, highlighting the unity he shares with the Father. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about a deep, personal connection with Jesus. These readings encourage us to embrace the Spirit's guidance in our lives, just as the early Church did. They remind us to listen for Jesus's voice and to trust in his care. In a world full of noise, may we remain united to Christ, following him with resolve and openness to the Spirit's lead.