Daily Readings - Sun May 05 2024

²⁵And it happened that, when Peter had entered, Cornelius went to meet him. And falling before his feet, he reverenced²⁶Yet truly, Peter, lifting him up, said: "Rise up, for I also am only a man.³⁴Then, Peter, opening his mouth, said: "I have concluded in truth that God is not a respecter of persons³⁵But within every nation, whoever fears him and works justice is acceptable to him⁴⁴While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell over all of those who were listening to the Word⁴⁵And the faithful of the circumcision, who had arrived with Peter, were astonished that the grace of the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon the Gentiles⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God⁴⁷Then Peter responded, "How could anyone prohibit water, so that those who have received the Holy Spirit would not be baptized, just as we also have been?⁴⁸And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they begged him to remain with them for some days

1 John

Chapter 4

⁷Most beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God. And everyone who loves is born of God and knows God⁸Whoever does not love, does not know God. For God is love⁹The love of God was made apparent to us in this way: that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through him¹⁰In this is love: not as if we had loved God, but that he first loved us, and so he sent his Son as a propitiation for our sins

John

Chapter 15

⁹As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love¹⁰If you keep my precepts, you shall abide in my love, just as I also have kept my Father’s precepts and I abide in his love¹¹These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be fulfilled¹²This is my precept: that you love one another, just as I have loved you¹³No one has a greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends¹⁴You are my friends, if you do what I instruct you¹⁵I will no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything whatsoever that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you¹⁶You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. And I have appointed you, so that you may go forth and bear fruit, and so that your fruit may last. Then whatever you have asked of the Father in my name, he shall give to you¹⁷This I command you: that you love one another

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the boundless love of God and the unity it creates among all people. In the first reading from Acts, Peter encounters Cornelius, a Gentile, and recognizes that God’s love extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Gentiles, proving that salvation is not reserved for the Jews alone but is offered to all who fear God and act justly. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it embraces its universal mission. In the second reading from 1 John, we are reminded that love is not merely a human emotion but a divine gift. God’s love is revealed in the sacrifice of His Son, who came to atone for our sins. John emphasizes that love is not something we initiate but rather a response to the love God first showed us. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not sentimental but selfless, rooted in obedience to His teachings and a deep friendship with Him. Jesus calls us not servants but friends, sharing with us the Father’s plan and commissioning us to bear lasting fruit through love. These readings are deeply interconnected. The love of God, which 1 John describes as the essence of His nature, is the same love that Jesus commands us to share with one another. This love is not confined to a particular group but is universal, as seen in Peter’s encounter with Cornelius. The early Church’s willingness to embrace Gentiles reflects the inclusive nature of God’s love, which breaks down walls and unites people across cultures and backgrounds. Jesus’ command to love one another is not optional but a fundamental expression of our identity as His followers. When we love as God loves, we participate in His mission to bring all people into communion with Him. In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine how we embody God’s love. Do we welcome others as Jesus welcomes us, regardless of their background or differences? Do we love selflessly, even when it requires sacrifice? Let us strive to be instruments of God’s love, breaking down barriers and building bridges of unity. May we remember that love is not something we earn but a gift we receive and share. As we abide in God’s love, may our lives bear fruit that lasts, fruit that reflects the joy and unity Jesus desires for us.