Daily Readings - Sun May 26 2019

¹And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.²Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas made no small uprising against them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some from the opposing side, should go up to the Apostles and priests in Jerusalem concerning this question²²Then it pleased the Apostles and elders, with the whole Church, to choose men from among them, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, and Judas, who was surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, preeminent men among the brothers²³what was written by their own hands: "The Apostles and elders, brothers, to those who are at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers from the Gentiles, greetings²⁴Since we have heard that some, going out from among us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no commandment²⁵it pleased us, being assembled as one, to choose men and to send them to you, with our most beloved Barnabas and Paul²⁶men who have handed over their lives on behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ²⁷Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will, with the spoken word, reaffirm to you the same things²⁸For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things²⁹that you abstain from things immolated to idols, and from blood, and from what has been suffocated, and from fornication. You will do well to keep yourselves from these things. Farewell.

Revelation

Chapter 21

¹⁰And he took me up in spirit to a great and high mountain. And he showed me the Holy City Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God¹¹having the glory of God. And its light was like that of a precious stone, even like that of the jasper stone or like crystal¹²And it had a wall, great and high, having twelve gates. And at the gates were twelve Angels. And names were written upon them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel¹³On the East were three gates, and on the North were three gates, and on the South were three gates, and on the West were three gates¹⁴And the wall of the City had twelve foundations. And upon them were the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb²²And I saw no temple in it. For the Lord God Almighty is its temple, and the Lamb²³And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine in it. For the glory of God has illuminated it, and the Lamb is its lamp

John

Chapter 14

²³Jesus responded and said to him: "If anyone loves me, he shall keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make our dwelling place with him²⁴Whoever does not love me, does not keep not my words. And the word that you have heard is not of me, but it is of the Father who sent me²⁵These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you²⁶But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will suggest to you everything whatsoever that I have said to you²⁷Peace I leave for you; my Peace I give to you. Not in the way that the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let it not fear²⁸You have heard that I said to you: I am going away, and I am returning to you. If you loved me, certainly you would be gladdened, because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I²⁹And now I have told you this, before it happens, so that, when it will happen, you may believe

Sermon

Today’s readings guide us through a journey of faith, unity, and hope, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role within the community of believers. The first reading from Acts recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where early Church leaders resolved a significant issue—whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved. This decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, was pivotal, as it unified the Church and allowed Christianity to flourish beyond its Jewish roots. It underscores that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not through rituals or works. The second reading from Revelation presents a vision of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city where God dwells among His people. This city, with no need for a temple or external light, symbolizes the ultimate hope for believers—a place of eternal communion with God, free from suffering and sin. This vision inspires us to persevere, knowing our struggles are temporary and our future is secure in God’s presence. In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes love and obedience, teaching that keeping His commandments is a sign of love. He promises the Holy Spirit, who will guide and remind us of His teachings, offering a peace that transcends worldly troubles. This peace is a gift that sustains us as we navigate life’s challenges. These readings interconnect by highlighting the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church and each believer. The decision in Acts, the hope of Revelation, and Jesus’ promise in the Gospel all point to a life of faith and trust in God’s plan. They remind us to strive for unity, trust in the Holy Spirit, and live faithfully, keeping Jesus’ teachings in our hearts. Let us embrace this hope and unity, living with the peace that only Jesus can give, and trusting in the eternal life He promises.