Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2019
Acts
1Now the Apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God2Then, when Peter had gone up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued against him3saying, "Why did you enter to uncircumcised men, and why did you eat with them?4And Peter began to explain to them, in an orderly manner, saying5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I saw, in an ecstasy of mind, a vision: a certain container descending, like a great linen sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. And it drew near to me6And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air7Then I also heard a voice saying to me: ‘Rise up, Peter. Kill and eat.8But I said: ‘Never, lord! For what is common or unclean has never entered into my mouth.9Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.10Now this was done three times. And then everything was taken up again into heaven11And behold, immediately there were three men standing near the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea12Then the Spirit told me that I should go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me also. And we entered into the house of the man13And he described for us how he had seen an Angel in his house, standing and saying to him: ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter14And he shall speak to you words, by which you shall be saved with your whole house.15And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as upon us also, in the beginning16Then I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.17Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?18Having heard these things, they were silent. And they glorified God, saying: "So has God also given to the Gentiles repentance unto life.
John
1"Amen, amen, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up by another way, he is a thief and a robber2But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out4And when he has sent out his sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice5But they do not follow a stranger; instead they flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.6Jesus spoke this proverb to them. But they did not understand what he was saying to them7Therefore, Jesus spoke to them again: "Amen, amen, I say to you, that I am the door of the sheep8All others, as many as have come, are thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not listen to them9I am the door. If anyone has entered through me, he will be saved. And he shall go in and go out, and he shall find pastures10The thief does not come, except so that he may steal and slaughter and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, and have it more abundantly
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s universal love and the call to follow Jesus as the true shepherd of our souls. In the first reading from Acts, Peter explains his vision to the early Christian community, recounting how God revealed to him that no one should be considered unclean or unworthy of receiving the Gospel. This vision marked a pivotal moment in the early Church, as it led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the community of believers. Peter’s courage to challenge the traditions of his time and trust in God’s plan teaches us about the importance of openness and humility in following God’s will.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the only way to true life and salvation. He warns against false shepherds who do not have the well-being of the sheep at heart. Jesus’ words invite us to reflect on whose voice we are listening to in our lives. Are we following the voice of the Good Shepherd, who leads us to abundant life, or are we being swayed by false promises that lead to destruction? Jesus’ role as the door reminds us that our ultimate security and peace come from Him alone.
These readings call us to live with hearts open to God’s surprises and to trust in His plan, even when it challenges our assumptions. Like Peter, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the diversity of God’s people. Like the sheep in Jesus’ parable, we are invited to listen to His voice and follow Him faithfully. Let us ask for the grace to be inclusive and welcoming, just as God is, and to trust in Jesus as our Shepherd, who leads us to eternal life.