Daily Readings - Tue May 10 2022
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 witness the early Christian community’s courageous expansion of the Gospel and Jesus’ profound teachings on faith and unity. The first reading from Acts describes how, after Stephen’s martyrdom, dispersed Christians began preaching to Gentiles, marking a pivotal moment in the Church’s growth. The Gospel from John features Jesus at the Feast of Dedication, where he affirms his unity with the Father and describes his followers as his sheep who hear his voice, emphasizing the assurance of eternal life for those who follow him.
These passages highlight the themes of inclusion and recognition. In Acts, the Church’s expansion to Gentiles shows that God’s message is for all, not just the chosen few. Similarly, in John, Jesus’ words invite us to recognize him as the Messiah and to trust in his divine plan. Together, they illustrate the universal call to faith and the personal relationship believers have with Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace diversity and unity. Like the early Christians, we are called to share our faith with others, regardless of background. Jesus’ words remind us to listen to his voice and trust in his guidance, knowing we are secure in his care. Let us strive to be open-hearted and faithful, reflecting God’s love and unity in our actions and relationships.