Daily Readings - Mon Apr 20 2020
Acts
23Then, having been released, they went to their own, and they reported in full what the leaders of the priests and the elders had said to them24And when they had heard it, with one accord, they lifted up their voice to God, and they said: "Lord, you are the One who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them25who, by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said: ‘Why have the Gentiles been seething, and why have the people been pondering nonsense26The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one, against the Lord and against his Christ.27For truly Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, joined together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointe28to do what your hand and your counsel had decreed would be done29And now, O Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants that they may speak your word with all confidence30by extending your hand in cures and signs and miracles, to be done through the name of your holy Son, Jesus.31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was moved. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they were speaking the Word of God with confidence
John
1Now there was a man among the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews2He went to Jesus at night, and he said to him: "Rabbi, we know that you have arrived as a teacher from God. For no one would be able to accomplish these signs, which you accomplish, unless God were with him.3Jesus responded and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn anew, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus said to him: "How could a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be reborn?5Jesus responded: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit7You should not be amazed that I said to you: You must be born anew8The Spirit inspires where he wills. And you hear his voice, but you do not know where he comes from, or where he is going. So it is with all who are born of the Spirit.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound encounters with the Holy Spirit, each highlighting its transformative power in the lives of believers. The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community praying for boldness and strength after facing persecution. Their prayer is rooted in faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plan through the Holy Spirit. This prayer leads to a renewed outpouring of the Spirit, empowering them to speak God's word with confidence and courage. The second reading from John features Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, where He explains the necessity of being "born anew" through water and the Spirit. This spiritual rebirth is not a physical transformation but a divine act that renews the heart and mind, allowing one to enter the Kingdom of God.
Both readings emphasize the Holy Spirit's essential role in the life of believers. In Acts, the Spirit empowers the disciples to witness boldly despite opposition, while in John, the Spirit brings about a new spiritual life. This connection underscores the Spirit's dual role: as a source of strength for mission and as the agent of inner transformation. The early Christians' prayer and Nicodemus' dialogue with Jesus remind us that the Spirit's work is both communal and personal, binding us together in faith while individually transforming our hearts.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to trust in the Holy Spirit's power in our own lives. Like the early Christians, we may face challenges that require boldness and courage, and like Nicodemus, we may encounter moments where we need to embrace spiritual renewal. The moral lesson here is the importance of openness to the Spirit's work. Whether we are seeking strength to face trials or a deeper transformation of our inner lives, the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding us and empowering us to live as children of God. Let us, therefore, approach each day with a willingness to be led by the Spirit, trusting in God's plan and allowing His grace to flow through us.