Daily Readings - Tue May 02 2023
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 church expanding its reach beyond Jerusalem, as described in Acts, and Jesus affirming his divine role in John's Gospel. The Acts passage highlights the spread of Christianity to Antioch, where disciples are first called Christians, emphasizing unity and growth. Meanwhile, John's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, offering eternal life to those who follow him, underscoring the assurance of salvation for believers.
Both readings share themes of inclusion and divine assurance. Acts illustrates the church's missionary efforts, showing how the Gospel reached Gentiles, while John's passage focuses on Jesus' identity and the security of his followers. This connection reminds us that faith is universal, transcending boundaries, and that trusting in God's plan brings eternal security.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace the universal call to faith, to trust in God's protection, and to actively share the Gospel. The moral lesson is clear: unity in diversity and trust in God's plan lead us to eternal life, as we follow the Good Shepherd's voice.