Daily Readings - Mon May 04 2020
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
11I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep12But the hired hand, and whoever is not a shepherd, to whom the sheep do not belong, he sees the wolf approaching, and he departs from the sheep and flees. And the wolf ravages and scatters the sheep13And the hired hand flees, because he is a hired hand and there is no concern for the sheep within him14I am the good Shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me15just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for my sheep16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold, and I must lead them. They shall hear my voice, and there shall be one sheepfold and one shepherd17For this reason, the Father loves me: because I lay down my life, so that I may take it up again18No one takes it away from me. Instead, I lay it down of my own accord. And I have the power to lay it down. And I have the power to take it up again. This is the commandment that I have received from my Father.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal love and the call to embrace diversity in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision from God, which compels him to recognize that the Gentiles, too, are called to receive the Word of God. This vision challenges Peter’s initial hesitation and the prejudices of the early Christian community, teaching them that God’s plan of salvation is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations. The Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles confirms that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of background or identity. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it begins to understand its mission to the wider world.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He emphasizes that His flock includes not only those who currently follow Him but also others who will hear His voice. Jesus’ love is not exclusive; it is expansive, reaching beyond boundaries to unite all people under His care. The Good Shepherd’s willingness to sacrifice His life underscores the depth of His commitment to His sheep, and His mission to gather all into one flock reflects God’s desire for unity and inclusion.
These readings remind us that our faith is not meant to be confined to a specific group or community. Like Peter, we are called to overcome our biases and prejudices, recognizing that God’s love knows no bounds. As followers of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to embrace diversity and to welcome others into our lives and communities. Let us reflect on how we might be excluding others, either intentionally or unintentionally, and ask for the grace to imitate Jesus’ selfless love and universal embrace. May we, like the early Church, allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in living out the inclusive and transformative message of the Gospel.