Daily Readings - Thu Apr 28 2022
Acts
27And when they had brought them, they stood them before the council. And the high priest questioned them28and said: "We strongly order you not to teach in this name. For behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you wish to bring the blood of this man upon us.29But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: "It is necessary to obey God, more so than men30The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a tree31It is he whom God has exalted at his right hand as Ruler and Savior, so as to offer repentance and the remission of sins to Israel32And we are witnesses of these things, with the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who are obedient to him.33When they had heard these things, they were deeply wounded, and they were planning to put them to death
John
31He who comes from above, is above everything. He who is from below, is of the earth, and he speaks about the earth. He who comes from heaven is above everything32And what he has seen and heard, about this he testifies. And no one accepts his testimony33Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified that God is truthful34For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For God does not give the Spirit by measure35The Father loves the Son, and he has given everything into his hand36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. But whoever is unbelieving toward the Son shall not see life; instead the wrath of God remains upon him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their preaching despite the threats they face. Their unwavering commitment to obeying God's will over human authority highlights the early church's resilience amidst persecution. The second reading, John 3:31-36, presents Jesus' discourse on His divine origin and the imperative of belief in Him for eternal life, underscoring the profound truth of His mission as the Son of God.
Both readings converge on the themes of obedience to God and the transformative power of faith. The Apostles' defiance in the face of adversity mirrors Jesus' own unwavering dedication to His Father's will. This connection reminds us that our faith must be rooted in a deep trust in God, even when faced with challenges. The readings encourage us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith authentically, just as the Apostles did, and to embrace the eternal life offered through belief in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to stand firm in our faith, even when societal pressures or personal struggles arise. They remind us that true obedience to God's will can lead us through any trial, offering us the strength to persevere. Let us draw inspiration from the Apostles' courage and Jesus' teachings, trusting in God's plan and striving to live as witnesses of His love. May our faith be a beacon of hope, guiding us toward eternal life in Christ.