Daily Readings - Sat May 09 2020
Acts
44Yet truly, on the following Sabbath, nearly the entire city came together to hear the Word of God45Then the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and they, blaspheming, contradicted the things that were being said by Paul46Then Paul and Barnabas said firmly: "It was necessary to speak the Word of God first to you. But because you reject it, and so judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles47For so has the Lord instructed us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 48Then the Gentiles, upon hearing this, were gladdened, and they were glorifying the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed were preordained to eternal life49Now the word of the Lord was disseminated throughout the entire region50But the Jews incited some devout and honest women, and the leaders of the city. And they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And they drove them away from their parts51But they, shaking the dust from their feet against them, went on to Iconium52The disciples were likewise filled with gladness and with the Holy Spirit
John
7If you had known me, certainly you would also have known my Father. And from now on, you shall know him, and you have seen him.8Philip said to him, "Lord, reveal the Father to us, and it is enough for us.9Jesus said to him: "Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me? Philip, whoever sees me, also sees the Father. How can you say, ‘Reveal the Father to us?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I am speaking to you, I do not speak from myself. But the Father abiding in me, he does these works11Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me12Or else, believe because of these same works. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me shall also do the works that I do. And greater things than these shall he do, for I go to the Father13And whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son14If you shall ask anything of me in my name, that I will do
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of perseverance and divine connection. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager listeners among the Gentiles. Despite persecution, they continue their mission with joy, trusting in God's plan. In the Gospel, Jesus assures His disciples that knowing Him means knowing the Father, emphasizing unity and the continuation of His work through them.
These passages remind us that spreading God's message often comes with challenges. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced rejection but persisted, we too can encounter obstacles in our lives. Yet, like the disciples, we are called to trust in God's presence within us. Jesus's promise that we will do greater works than He did underscores the idea that our actions, guided by faith, can have a profound impact.
In our daily lives, let us embrace this call to perseverance and trust. When faced with adversity, may we find the courage to continue sharing God's love, just as Paul and Barnabas did. Let us remember that our connection to God through Jesus empowers us to overcome any challenge, inspiring us to live with purpose and joy, knowing we are part of a greater divine plan.