Daily Readings - Thu May 02 2019
Acts
27And when they had brought them, they stood them before the council. And the high priest questioned them28and said: "We strongly order you not to teach in this name. For behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you wish to bring the blood of this man upon us.29But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: "It is necessary to obey God, more so than men30The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a tree31It is he whom God has exalted at his right hand as Ruler and Savior, so as to offer repentance and the remission of sins to Israel32And we are witnesses of these things, with the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who are obedient to him.33When they had heard these things, they were deeply wounded, and they were planning to put them to death
John
31He who comes from above, is above everything. He who is from below, is of the earth, and he speaks about the earth. He who comes from heaven is above everything32And what he has seen and heard, about this he testifies. And no one accepts his testimony33Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified that God is truthful34For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For God does not give the Spirit by measure35The Father loves the Son, and he has given everything into his hand36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. But whoever is unbelieving toward the Son shall not see life; instead the wrath of God remains upon him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our commitment to faith and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 portrays Peter and the apostles standing resolutely before the council, refusing to cease their proclamation of Jesus' teachings. Despite the council's orders to stop, they affirm their allegiance to God, emphasizing that obedience to Him surpasses earthly authority. This scene underscores the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith amidst persecution.
The second reading, from John 3:31-36, shifts our focus to Jesus' discourse on His divine origin. Jesus, who comes from heaven, speaks of the necessity of belief in Him for eternal life. He highlights the consequences of unbelief, warning that those who do not believe will face God's wrath. This passage emphasizes the critical role of faith in Jesus as the path to salvation and eternal life.
These readings connect through their themes of obedience to God and the imperative of faith. The apostles in Acts exemplify obedience to God's will, even in the face of adversity, while John's passage underscores the divine authority of Jesus and the salvific power of belief. Together, they remind us that our faith must guide our actions and decisions, even when faced with challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan and prioritizing His will over worldly pressures. They call us to reflect on our commitment to Jesus and the consequences of our belief or unbelief. May we, like the apostles, courageously live out our faith, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. Let us embrace the truth of His divine nature and allow it to transform our lives, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with Him.