Daily Readings - Sat May 01 2021
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 two profound moments of revelation and mission. The first reading from Acts 13:44-52 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, highlighting God's plan to extend His message beyond the Jewish community. The second reading, John 14:7-14, captures a deeply intimate conversation where Jesus reveals His unity with the Father, assuring His disciples that knowing Him is knowing the Father. He promises that believers will continue His works, even greater ones, through faith.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's missionary work in Acts reflects the early Church's struggle and eventual expansion beyond its Jewish roots, driven by the Holy Spirit. In John's Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples, emphasizing the unity between the Father and the Son, which is central to Christian belief. Both readings underscore themes of inclusion and divine presence.
These readings connect through their emphasis on expanding God's message and the deep connection between Jesus and the Father. Paul's outreach to Gentiles mirrors Jesus's promise of continued works through believers, highlighting the Church's role in spreading God's love. Both narratives encourage us to embrace our mission and trust in God's presence.
Applying this to daily life, we are called to be open to all people, reflecting God's inclusive love. Just as Paul reached out to Gentiles, we should engage with diverse communities. Additionally, trusting in God's unity with us, as Jesus is with the Father, empowers us to face challenges with faith, knowing we are part of something greater.
The moral lesson here is one of unity and mission. We are called to reflect God's love in our actions, embracing all people and trusting in His presence. By doing so, we continue Jesus's work, bringing light and salvation to the world.