Daily Readings - Wed Apr 24 2024
Acts
1Now there were, in the Church at Antioch, prophets and teachers, among whom were Barnabas, and Simon, who was called the Black, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul2Now as they were ministering for the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them: "Separate Saul and Barnabas for me, for the work for which I have selected them.3Then, fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, they sent them away4And having been sent by the Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. And from there they sailed to Cyprus5And when they had arrived at Salamis, they were preaching the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John in the ministry
John
44But Jesus cried out and said: "Whoever believes in me, does not believe in me, but in him who sent me45And whoever sees me, sees him who sent me46I have arrived as a light to the world, so that all who believe in me might not remain in darkness47And if anyone has heard my words and not kept them, I do not judge him. For I did not come so that I may judge the world, but so that I may save the world48Whoever despises me and does not accept my words has one who judges him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him on the last day49For I am not speaking from myself, but from the Father who sent me. He gave a commandment to me as to what I should say and how I should speak50And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, the things that I speak, just as the Father has said to me, so also do I speak.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the vibrant life of the early Church in Antioch, where prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, ministered together. The Holy Spirit intervenes, calling Saul and Barnabas to a special mission, and with prayer and fasting, the community commissions them for this work. This passage highlights the Church’s reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the importance of communal discernment and support in fulfilling God’s will. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the light of the world, sent by the Father to save humanity. Jesus emphasizes that His words are not His own but come from the Father, and those who reject His message will be judged by it on the last day. This passage underscores the divine authority of Jesus’ teachings and the seriousness of responding to His call.
Both readings emphasize the theme of being sent and guided by God. In Acts, the Holy Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul on their mission, while in John, Jesus is sent by the Father to bring light and salvation to the world. Together, these readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger divine plan. Just as the early Church in Antioch listened to the Holy Spirit and supported those called to mission, we too are called to discern God’s will in our lives and to trust in His guidance.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life? Do I trust that God has a plan for me, even when it involves stepping out of my comfort zone? Jesus’ words remind us that His teachings are not optional but are the path to eternal life. Let us strive to live by His words and to share His light with others, just as Barnabas and Saul did. May we, like the early Church, be a community that supports one another in fulfilling the mission God has given us, and may we always remember that our ultimate judge is the Word of God, who is also our Savior.