Daily Readings - Wed Apr 10 2024
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
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the call to live as children of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. In the first reading from Acts, we see the Apostles facing persecution and imprisonment for their bold proclamation of the Gospel. Yet, even in the face of such opposition, they remain steadfast in their mission. An angel of the Lord frees them from prison, and instead of fleeing, they return to the temple to continue teaching the people. This act of obedience and courage shows us that true faith is not about escaping challenges but about trusting in God’s plan and remaining faithful even when the path is difficult.
In the Gospel, John reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son into the world not to condemn it but to save it. This passage is a beautiful expression of the heart of the Christian faith: God’s love for the world is so great that He gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus, to bring us eternal life. Yet, John also warns us that this gift comes with a choice. Those who reject the light of Christ choose to remain in darkness, and their refusal to believe is itself a form of judgment. The light of Christ reveals the truth of our actions and the state of our hearts.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the Apostles, we are called to be bold in sharing the Gospel, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging. Like the people in John’s Gospel, we are invited to choose the light of Christ over the darkness of sin and indifference. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, even when the road ahead seems uncertain? Do we allow the light of Christ to shine in our lives, guiding our actions and decisions? May we, like the Apostles, be courageous in living out our faith, and may we, like those who accept the light of Christ, walk in truth and love.