Daily Readings - Mon Apr 17 2023
Acts
23Then, having been released, they went to their own, and they reported in full what the leaders of the priests and the elders had said to them24And when they had heard it, with one accord, they lifted up their voice to God, and they said: "Lord, you are the One who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them25who, by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said: ‘Why have the Gentiles been seething, and why have the people been pondering nonsense26The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one, against the Lord and against his Christ.27For truly Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, joined together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointe28to do what your hand and your counsel had decreed would be done29And now, O Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants that they may speak your word with all confidence30by extending your hand in cures and signs and miracles, to be done through the name of your holy Son, Jesus.31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was moved. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they were speaking the Word of God with confidence
John
1Now there was a man among the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews2He went to Jesus at night, and he said to him: "Rabbi, we know that you have arrived as a teacher from God. For no one would be able to accomplish these signs, which you accomplish, unless God were with him.3Jesus responded and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn anew, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus said to him: "How could a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be reborn?5Jesus responded: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit7You should not be amazed that I said to you: You must be born anew8The Spirit inspires where he wills. And you hear his voice, but you do not know where he comes from, or where he is going. So it is with all who are born of the Spirit.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and transformation. The first reading from Acts 4:23-31 depicts the early Christian community praying for courage and strength after facing threats from religious leaders. They acknowledge God's sovereignty and ask for boldness to continue their mission, trusting in His plan. The second reading, John 3:1-8, introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee who visits Jesus secretly. Jesus teaches him about being born again through water and the Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God.
The context of these readings is pivotal. The early Christians in Acts are united in prayer amidst persecution, reflecting the resilience of the fledgling church. Nicodemus, a respected leader, seeks Jesus under the cover of night, indicating his curiosity and perhaps fear of judgment. Both scenarios highlight the challenges of living out one's faith, whether through overt persecution or internal doubt.
These readings intertwine through themes of courage and transformation. The early Christians' prayer for boldness mirrors Jesus' call to Nicodemus for spiritual rebirth. Both emphasize trust in God's plan and openness to the Holy Spirit. Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to face challenges with faith, seeking strength through prayer and remaining open to spiritual growth.
The moral lesson here is the importance of prayer and spiritual transformation. Like the early church, we can find courage in prayer, trusting God's plan. And like Nicodemus, we must embrace the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, allowing ourselves to be transformed and reborn. This spiritual journey enables us to see and enter the Kingdom of God, living with renewed purpose and faith.