Daily Readings - Thu Apr 23 2020
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 the essence of faith and obedience. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 presents Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the threat of death, they affirm their commitment to obeying God over men, testifying to Jesus' resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This scene underscores the early Christian church's perseverance amidst persecution, highlighting the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine nature and His role as a witness to the Father. Jesus, coming from above, speaks of heavenly truths, offering eternal life to believers. John emphasizes that faith in Jesus is paramount, distinguishing those who accept God's truth from those who reject it. This passage invites us to consider the profound implications of believing in Jesus and the eternal consequences of such belief.
These readings intersect in their emphasis on obedience to God and the significance of testimony. Both narratives call us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, we may encounter challenges that test our commitment to our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in the face of opposition. As we navigate life's trials, let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Jesus, remembering that our faith is a testament to God's enduring love and truth. May we embrace the courage to live out our beliefs, trusting in God's providence and remaining faithful witnesses in a world that often resists the Gospel.