Daily Readings - Sat Apr 20 2024
Acts
31Certainly, the Church had peace throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and it was being built up, while walking in the fear of the Lord, and it was being filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit32Then it happened that Peter, as he traveled around everywhere, came to the saints who were living at Lydda33But he found there a certain man, named Aeneas, who was a paralytic, who had lain in bed for eight years34And Peter said to him: "Aeneas, the Lord Jesus Christ heals you. Rise up and arrange your bed." And immediately he rose up35And all who were living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were converted to the Lord36Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which in translation is called Dorcas. She was filled with the good works and almsgiving that she was accomplishing37And it happened that, in those days, she became ill and died. And when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room38Now since Lydda was close to Joppa, the disciples, upon hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, asking him: "Do not be slow in coming to us.39Then Peter, rising up, went with them. And when he had arrived, they led him to an upper room. And all the widows were standing around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made for them40And when they had all been sent outside, Peter, kneeling down, prayed. And turning to the body, he said: "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes and, upon seeing Peter, sat up again41And offering her his hand, he lifted her up. And when he had called in the saints and the widows, he presented her alive42Now this became known throughout all of Joppa. And many believed in the Lord
John
53And so, Jesus said to them: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you60Therefore, many of his disciples, upon hearing this, said: "This saying is difficult," and, "Who is able to listen to it?61But Jesus, knowing within himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: "Does this offend you62Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending to where he was before63It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh does not offer anything of benefit. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life64But there are some among you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who were unbelieving and which one would betray him65And so he said, "For this reason, I said to you that no one is able to come to me, unless it has been given to him by my Father.66After this, many of his disciples went back, and they no longer walked with him67Therefore, Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?68Then Simon Peter answered him: "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life69And we have believed, and we recognize that you are the Christ, the Son of God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that highlight the transformative power of faith and God's presence in our lives. The First Reading from Acts describes the early Christian community, where peace and growth prevail. Peter, an apostle, performs miracles: healing a paralytic man named Aeneas and raising Tabitha from the dead. These miracles are not just acts of wonder but signs that draw people to faith, illustrating how God's power can bring hope and renewal.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' challenging teaching about the Eucharist, where He speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Many find this difficult, leading some disciples to leave. Yet, Peter's unwavering commitment stands out as he affirms faith in Jesus as the source of eternal life. This passage underscores the Eucharist's significance and the necessity of faith, even when teachings are hard to grasp.
Both readings connect through themes of faith and divine presence. In Acts, miracles manifest God's power, while in John, the Eucharist becomes a source of spiritual nourishment. Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to trust in God's plan and recognize His work around us. Like Peter and the early community, we can find strength in our faith, even in challenging times. The moral reflection here is the importance of steadfast commitment and openness to God's grace, allowing us to experience His transformative power daily.