Daily Readings - Wed Apr 19 2023
Acts
17Then the high priest and all those who were with him, that is, the heretical sect of the Sadducees, rose up and were filled with jealousy18And they laid hands on the Apostles, and they placed them in the common prison19But in the night, an Angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, saying20"Go and stand in the temple, speaking to the people all these words of life.21And when they had heard this, they entered the temple at first light, and they were teaching. Then the high priest, and those who were with him, approached, and they called together the council and all the elders of the sons of Israel. And they sent to the prison to have them brought22But when the attendants had arrived, and, upon opening the prison, had not found them, they returned and reported to them23saying: "We found the prison certainly locked up with all diligence, and the guards standing before the door. But upon opening it, we found no one within.24Then, when the magistrate of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were uncertain about them, as to what should happen25But someone arrived and reported to them, "Behold, the men whom you placed in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.26Then the magistrate, with the attendants, went and brought them without force. For they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned
John
16For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life17For God did not send his Son into the world, in order to judge the world, but in order that the world may be saved through him18Whoever believes in him is not judged. But whoever does not believe is already judged, because he does not believe in the name of the only-begotten Son of God19And this is the judgment: that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness more than light. For their works were evil20For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not go toward the Light, so that his works may not be corrected21But whoever acts in truth goes toward the Light, so that his works may be manifested, because they have been accomplished in God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God's love. The first reading from Acts recounts the courage of the Apostles who, despite imprisonment and persecution, continued to preach the Good News. Freed miraculously by an angel, they returned to the temple, undeterred by the risks, embodying unwavering commitment to their mission. This passage highlights the early Christian community's resilience and trust in divine providence amidst adversity.
The Gospel from John presents one of the most profound expressions of God's love: the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes that God's intent is not to condemn but to save, offering eternal life to all who believe. It contrasts light and darkness, urging us to embrace truth and reject evil. Jesus, the Light of the World, reveals that our works must align with God's truth, reflecting our commitment to living in His grace.
These readings intertwine themes of obedience and faith. The Apostles' perseverance mirrors Jesus' obedience to His Father's will, demonstrating that true discipleship involves standing firm in faith despite challenges. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this same courage and trust, trusting in God's plan even when faced with obstacles. Let us choose to walk in the light of Christ, allowing His truth to guide our actions and decisions. May we, like the Apostles, faithfully proclaim God's love and live as beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.