Daily Readings - Wed Apr 11 2018
Acts
17But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy18they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,20"Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."21And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.22But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,23"We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside."24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.25And someone came and told them, "Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people."26Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
John
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.19And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.20For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.21But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the choice between light and darkness. The First Reading from Acts recounts the Apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission despite imprisonment and opposition. Freed by an angel, they continue to teach boldly, embodying the courage and resilience that defines their faith. The Gospel from John presents the iconic verse about God's love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. It contrasts light and darkness, urging us to embrace the light of truth and goodness over the shadows of evil.
The context of these readings is crucial. Acts highlights the early Christian community's struggles against religious authorities, illustrating the tension between tradition and the new message of Christ. The Apostles' perseverance underscores the importance of standing firm in faith despite adversity. In John, Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus emphasizes the transformative power of belief and the judgment that comes from rejecting the light. Together, these passages remind us that our faith is not just a belief but a way of life that requires courage and commitment.
These readings relate to each other through the theme of standing firm in faith amidst challenges. The Apostles in Acts face persecution yet continue their mission, while John's Gospel calls us to choose light over darkness. This duality encourages us to reflect on our own lives—how do we respond to challenges? Do we shrink back, or do we stand firm, trusting in God's plan?
In our daily lives, we face moments where our faith is tested. Whether it's standing up for our beliefs or choosing right over wrong, these readings inspire us to act with courage. The moral lesson here is clear: perseverance and trust in God's plan are essential. Just as the Apostles trusted God's guidance, we too can navigate life's challenges with faith, knowing that our actions reflect our commitment to the light of Christ.
As we go forth, let us remember that our faith is a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. May we embrace the courage of the Apostles and the transformative power of Christ's love, choosing each day to walk in the light and share its radiance with others.