Daily Readings - Sun May 06 2018

²⁵And it happened that, when Peter had entered, Cornelius went to meet him. And falling before his feet, he reverenced²⁶Yet truly, Peter, lifting him up, said: "Rise up, for I also am only a man.³⁴Then, Peter, opening his mouth, said: "I have concluded in truth that God is not a respecter of persons³⁵But within every nation, whoever fears him and works justice is acceptable to him⁴⁴While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell over all of those who were listening to the Word⁴⁵And the faithful of the circumcision, who had arrived with Peter, were astonished that the grace of the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon the Gentiles⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God⁴⁷Then Peter responded, "How could anyone prohibit water, so that those who have received the Holy Spirit would not be baptized, just as we also have been?⁴⁸And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they begged him to remain with them for some days

1 John

Chapter 4

⁷Most beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God. And everyone who loves is born of God and knows God⁸Whoever does not love, does not know God. For God is love⁹The love of God was made apparent to us in this way: that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through him¹⁰In this is love: not as if we had loved God, but that he first loved us, and so he sent his Son as a propitiation for our sins

John

Chapter 15

⁹As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love¹⁰If you keep my precepts, you shall abide in my love, just as I also have kept my Father’s precepts and I abide in his love¹¹These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be fulfilled¹²This is my precept: that you love one another, just as I have loved you¹³No one has a greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends¹⁴You are my friends, if you do what I instruct you¹⁵I will no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything whatsoever that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you¹⁶You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. And I have appointed you, so that you may go forth and bear fruit, and so that your fruit may last. Then whatever you have asked of the Father in my name, he shall give to you¹⁷This I command you: that you love one another

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about love, unity, and the inclusive nature of God’s plan. The first reading from Acts recounts a pivotal moment in the early Church when Peter recognizes the Holy Spirit’s presence in Gentiles, leading him to baptize them. This act signifies the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, emphasizing God’s universal love. The second reading from 1 John deepens this theme, explaining that love originates from God and is exemplified through His sacrifice. The Gospel from John further elaborates, with Jesus commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, highlighting the depth of divine love and the unique friendship He offers. These readings are interconnected through the theme of love. Acts illustrates the practical application of loving beyond boundaries, while 1 John provides the theological foundation, explaining love as a divine gift. John’s Gospel personalizes this love, showing it as a command and a pathway to friendship with Jesus. Together, they remind us that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act selflessly, reflecting God’s nature. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love. Just as Peter transcended boundaries, we should embrace diversity and unity. Recognizing love as a gift from God, we must actively demonstrate it through our actions. By following Jesus’ teachings, we become His friends, bearing fruit that lasts. Let us strive to love without limits, just as God first loved us, fostering a world united in His love.