Daily Readings - Mon May 08 2023

⁵Now when an assault had been planned by the Gentiles and the Jews with their leaders, so that they might treat them with contempt and stone them⁶they, realizing this, fled together to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the entire surrounding region.⁷And they were evangelizing in that place.⁸And a certain man was sitting at Lystra, disabled in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked⁹This man heard Paul speaking. And Paul, gazing at him intently, and perceiving that he had faith, so that he might be healed¹⁰said with a loud voice, "Stand upright upon your feet!" And he leaped up and walked around¹¹But when the crowds had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian language, saying, "The gods, having taken the likenesses of men, have descended to us!¹²And they called Barnabas, ‘Jupiter,’ yet truly they called Paul, ‘Mercury,’ because he was the lead speaker¹³Also, the priest of Jupiter, who was outside the city, in front of the gate, bringing in oxen and garlands, was willing to offer sacrifice with the people¹⁴And as soon as the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul, had heard this, tearing their tunics, they leapt into the crowd, crying ou¹⁵and saying: "Men, why would you do this? We also are mortals, men like yourselves, preaching to you to be converted, from these vain things, to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them¹⁶In previous generations, he permitted all nations to walk in their own ways¹⁷But certainly, he did not leave himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness."¹⁸And by saying these things, they were barely able to restrain the crowds from immolating to them

John

Chapter 14

²¹Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them: it is he who loves me. And whoever loves me shall be loved by my Father. And I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.²²Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him: "Lord, how does it happen that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?²³Jesus responded and said to him: "If anyone loves me, he shall keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make our dwelling place with him²⁴Whoever does not love me, does not keep not my words. And the word that you have heard is not of me, but it is of the Father who sent me²⁵These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you²⁶But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will suggest to you everything whatsoever that I have said to you

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, divine presence, and the essence of discipleship. The first reading from Acts 14:5-18 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face persecution but also perform a miraculous healing. A lame man, hearing Paul, is healed through his faith, leading the crowd to mistakenly worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas humbly correct them, emphasizing their mortality and the one true God. This episode highlights the challenges of spreading the Gospel and the importance of humility in the face of divine power. In the Gospel, John 14:21-26, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the criteria for loving Him—keeping His commandments. He promises that the Father and He will dwell with those who love Him, and the Holy Spirit will guide them. This passage underscores the internal presence of God in believers, achieved through love and obedience. It contrasts with the external, mistaken worship in Acts, showing that true divine presence is experienced internally through faith and adherence to God's will. These readings remind us to trust in God's presence and provision, even amidst challenges. Like Paul and Barnabas, we must remain humble and faithful, recognizing God's work in our lives. Jesus' words call us to a deep, loving relationship with Him, expressed through obedience. As we navigate life's trials, may we trust in God's presence, stay humble, and keep His commandments, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. This faith and love will manifest God's presence in our hearts and lives.