Daily Readings - Thu Apr 20 2023
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 powerful messages about faith, obedience, and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the Jewish council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the council's orders, they affirm their allegiance to God, emphasizing that obedience to Him surpasses human authority. This scene highlights the early Christian church's struggle against persecution and the unwavering commitment of the Apostles to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to the theological significance of Jesus. John emphasizes Jesus' divine origin, stating that He is above all things and speaks the words of God. The passage underscores the importance of belief in Jesus for eternal life, noting that the Father has entrusted everything to the Son. This text invites us to reflect on the nature of belief and its consequences—eternal life for believers and the wrath of God for those who refuse to believe.
Both readings converge on themes of obedience and belief. The Apostles in Acts exemplify obedience to God despite persecution, while John's Gospel calls us to believe in Jesus as the path to eternal life. These messages encourage us to evaluate our own commitment to faith. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our allegiance to God. Will we stand firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, or will we succumb to the pressures of the world? The readings remind us that true faith requires courage and trust in God's plan.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider the state of our own faith. Are we willing to face challenges head-on, trusting in God's wisdom? The consequence of unbelief is separation from God, while belief offers us eternal life. Let us strive to live out our faith with the same courage as the Apostles, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. May our commitment to God guide us in all our decisions, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him.