Daily Readings - Tue May 05 2020
Acts
19And some of them, having been dispersed by the persecution that had occurred under Stephen, traveled around, even to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to no one, except to Jews only20But some of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they had entered into Antioch, were speaking also to the Greeks, announcing the Lord Jesus21And the hand of the Lord was with them. And a great number believed and were converted to the Lord22Now the news came to the ears of the Church at Jerusalem about these things, and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch23And when he had arrived there and had seen the grace of God, he was gladdened. And he exhorted them all to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart24For he was a good man, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord25Then Barnabas set out for Tarsus, so that he might seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch26And they were conversing there in the Church for an entire year. And they taught such a great multitude, that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first known by the name of Christian
John
22Now it was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem, and it was winter23And Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon24And so the Jews surrounded him and said to him: "How long will you hold our souls in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.25Jesus answered them: "I speak to you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in the name of my Father, these offer testimony about me26But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep27My sheep hear my voice. And I know them, and they follow me28And I give them eternal life, and they shall not perish, for eternity. And no one shall seize them from my hand29What my Father gave to me is greater than all, and no one is able to seize from the hand of my Father30I and the Father are one.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of expansion, inclusion, and the deep trust in God's plan. The First Reading from Acts describes the early Christian community's growth, as they spread the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles, illustrating a pivotal moment of inclusion. Barnabas's role in uniting the Church and bringing Saul to Antioch highlights collaboration and the importance of shared faith. The Gospel from John features Jesus describing his followers as sheep who hear his voice, emphasizing trust and recognition of his divine role.
The readings connect through the idea of unity and faith. The early Church's ability to include Gentiles was rooted in their trust in Jesus' teachings, as seen in the Gospel. Jesus' assurance of security and oneness with the Father reflects the faith that guided the early Christians to expand their community beyond cultural boundaries, demonstrating that true faith transcends differences.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace diversity and trust in God's plan. Just as the early Church welcomed Gentiles, we should be open to others, fostering unity. Like Jesus' sheep, we must listen to His voice amidst life's noise, trusting in His guidance. The moral lesson here is one of inclusion and faith—believers should come together, trusting in God's plan, just as the early Church did, to create a harmonious and faith-filled community.