Daily Readings - Fri May 13 2022
Acts
26Noble brothers, sons of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, it is to you the Word of this salvation has been sent27For those who were living in Jerusalem, and its rulers, heeding neither him, nor the voices of the Prophets that are read on every Sabbath, fulfilled these by judging him28And although they found no case for death against him, they petitioned Pilate, so that they might put him to death29And when they had fulfilled everything that had been written about him, taking him down from the tree, they placed him in a tomb30Yet truly, God raised him up from the dead on the third day31And he was seen for many days by those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who even now are his witnesses to the people32And we are announcing to you that the Promise, which was made to our fathers33has been fulfilled by God for our children by raising up Jesus, just as it has been written in the second Psalm also: ‘You are my Son. This day I have begotten you.
John
1"Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe in me also2In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places. If there were not, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will return again, and then I will take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be4And you know where I am going. And you know the way.5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?6Jesus said to him: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me
Sermon
In today's readings, we hear Paul addressing the people of Antioch, explaining how the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill the promises of the prophets. He emphasizes that the rulers in Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus, but God, in His wisdom, raised Him from the dead, a testament to the fulfillment of ancient promises. In the Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples, reassuring them of a place in His Father's house. He declares Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the sole path to the Father.
Both readings are set in contexts of transition and preparation. Paul, on his missionary journey, connects Jesus to the Jewish scriptures, showing the continuity of God's plan. Jesus, in His Farewell Discourse, prepares His disciples for His departure, offering comfort and assurance. The link between the readings lies in their emphasis on belief and trust in God's plan. Paul highlights belief in the fulfillment of prophecy, while Jesus underscores belief in Him as the path to eternal life.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan, especially during uncertain times. They remind us that following Jesus, as the Way, leads us to eternal life. The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust in God's promises, encouraging us to live according to Jesus' teachings and find comfort in His assurance. Let us embrace this faith, trusting in God's plan and following Jesus as our guide.