Daily Readings - Sat May 18 2019
Acts
44Yet truly, on the following Sabbath, nearly the entire city came together to hear the Word of God45Then the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and they, blaspheming, contradicted the things that were being said by Paul46Then Paul and Barnabas said firmly: "It was necessary to speak the Word of God first to you. But because you reject it, and so judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles47For so has the Lord instructed us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 48Then the Gentiles, upon hearing this, were gladdened, and they were glorifying the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed were preordained to eternal life49Now the word of the Lord was disseminated throughout the entire region50But the Jews incited some devout and honest women, and the leaders of the city. And they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And they drove them away from their parts51But they, shaking the dust from their feet against them, went on to Iconium52The disciples were likewise filled with gladness and with the Holy Spirit
John
7If you had known me, certainly you would also have known my Father. And from now on, you shall know him, and you have seen him.8Philip said to him, "Lord, reveal the Father to us, and it is enough for us.9Jesus said to him: "Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me? Philip, whoever sees me, also sees the Father. How can you say, ‘Reveal the Father to us?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I am speaking to you, I do not speak from myself. But the Father abiding in me, he does these works11Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me12Or else, believe because of these same works. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me shall also do the works that I do. And greater things than these shall he do, for I go to the Father13And whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son14If you shall ask anything of me in my name, that I will do
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the early Christian Church's expansion and delve into the profound relationship between Jesus and the Father. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary efforts, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. Despite persecution, they persist, spreading the Word to Iconium. This narrative highlights the resilience of the early Church in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from John shifts focus to Jesus's intimate conversation with His disciples, where He reveals His unity with the Father. Jesus assures them that knowing Him is knowing the Father, and He promises that believers will perform even greater works through faith. This passage underscores the empowerment believers receive through their relationship with Christ.
These readings intertwine the mission of spreading God's message with the assurance of divine support. Like Paul and Barnabas, we may encounter resistance, but Jesus's promise in John reminds us of the strength we derive from our faith. In our daily lives, we are called to persevere in sharing the Gospel, trusting in God's presence and the power of prayer. Let us embrace this mission with courage, knowing that through faith, we can overcome challenges and continue Christ's work.