Daily Readings - Sun Apr 29 2018
Acts
26And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.28So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.29And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.30And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.31So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
1 John
18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.19By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;20for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.24Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
John
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.2Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about unity, love, and our connection to God. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's journey as he joins the early Christian community in Jerusalem, with Barnabas's support, and his courageous preaching to the Gentiles. This passage highlights the unity and growth of the early church, despite the challenges they faced. The second reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of expressing love through actions rather than just words, and the necessity of obeying God's commandments. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the vine, teaching us that our ability to bear fruit depends on our connection to Him.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of relationship and unity. Just as the early church found strength in their unity and faith, we too are called to live in harmony with one another. The second reading underscores that genuine love is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to God's will. The Gospel reinforces this by illustrating that our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in serving others stem from our abiding relationship with Jesus.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to stay connected to God through prayer and community. By loving others through our actions and remaining faithful to God's commandments, we bear fruit that glorifies Him. Let us strive to maintain a deep connection with Jesus, allowing His love to flow through us, so that we may serve others and bring joy to God's heart.