Daily Readings - Mon Apr 22 2024
Acts
1Now the Apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God2Then, when Peter had gone up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued against him3saying, "Why did you enter to uncircumcised men, and why did you eat with them?4And Peter began to explain to them, in an orderly manner, saying5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I saw, in an ecstasy of mind, a vision: a certain container descending, like a great linen sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. And it drew near to me6And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air7Then I also heard a voice saying to me: ‘Rise up, Peter. Kill and eat.8But I said: ‘Never, lord! For what is common or unclean has never entered into my mouth.9Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.10Now this was done three times. And then everything was taken up again into heaven11And behold, immediately there were three men standing near the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea12Then the Spirit told me that I should go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me also. And we entered into the house of the man13And he described for us how he had seen an Angel in his house, standing and saying to him: ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter14And he shall speak to you words, by which you shall be saved with your whole house.15And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as upon us also, in the beginning16Then I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.17Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?18Having heard these things, they were silent. And they glorified God, saying: "So has God also given to the Gentiles repentance unto life.
John
1"Amen, amen, I say to you, he who does not enter through the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up by another way, he is a thief and a robber2But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep3To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out4And when he has sent out his sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice5But they do not follow a stranger; instead they flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.6Jesus spoke this proverb to them. But they did not understand what he was saying to them7Therefore, Jesus spoke to them again: "Amen, amen, I say to you, that I am the door of the sheep8All others, as many as have come, are thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not listen to them9I am the door. If anyone has entered through me, he will be saved. And he shall go in and go out, and he shall find pastures10The thief does not come, except so that he may steal and slaughter and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, and have it more abundantly
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound lessons about God’s universal love and the true nature of leadership. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter’s vision and his defense before the Jerusalem community, highlighting the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian Church. This passage shows the Holy Spirit’s work in breaking down barriers, teaching us that the Gospel is for all people. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His role as the true leader who provides abundant life, contrasting with false shepherds who seek to harm.
The context of Acts 11 is pivotal, as it addresses the early church’s struggle with inclusivity. Peter’s vision and experience with Cornelius’ household led to the understanding that God’s message is not confined to the Jewish people. This was a radical shift, challenging the existing norms and opening the church to a broader community. In John 10, Jesus uses the shepherd metaphor to illustrate His authority and care, distinguishing Himself from false leaders who do not have the flock’s best interests at heart.
Both readings relate through themes of inclusion and true leadership. Acts shows the church expanding beyond its initial boundaries, while John emphasizes Jesus as the true leader who provides salvation. Together, they highlight God’s universal plan and Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, guiding us to abundant life.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace diversity and recognize Jesus as our guide. We should be open to others, just as the early church was, and trust in Jesus’ leadership. The moral lesson here is one of unity and inclusion, reminding us that God’s love knows no bounds. As we navigate our lives, let us follow the Good Shepherd, trusting in His care and living out the universal message of love and salvation.