Daily Readings - Tue Apr 27 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of unity and the universal call to follow Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we witness the early Christian community expanding beyond its Jewish roots to include Gentiles in Antioch. Barnabas, recognizing the grace of God at work, unites the community and brings Saul to assist, leading to a vibrant church where the term "Christian" is first used. This passage highlights the church's role as a unified body embracing diversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes his unity with the Father and the flock. He explains that his sheep hear his voice and follow him, receiving eternal life. This passage underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers, built on trust and recognition of his divine authority.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in unity and inclusion. As Christians, we are called to transcend divisions and embrace our diversity, just as the early church did. Let us strive to live as one body in Christ, recognizing that our unity is a testament to God's love. May we follow Christ's voice, living as his disciples in a world that often values division over unity.