Daily Readings - Sun May 06 2018
Acts
25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.26But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."34So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.44While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.45And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.46For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,47"Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.8Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John
9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.12"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.14You are my friends if you do what I command you.15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.17These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about love, unity, and the inclusive nature of God’s plan. The first reading from Acts recounts a pivotal moment in the early Church when Peter recognizes the Holy Spirit’s presence in Gentiles, leading him to baptize them. This act signifies the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, emphasizing God’s universal love. The second reading from 1 John deepens this theme, explaining that love originates from God and is exemplified through His sacrifice. The Gospel from John further elaborates, with Jesus commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, highlighting the depth of divine love and the unique friendship He offers.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of love. Acts illustrates the practical application of loving beyond boundaries, while 1 John provides the theological foundation, explaining love as a divine gift. John’s Gospel personalizes this love, showing it as a command and a pathway to friendship with Jesus. Together, they remind us that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act selflessly, reflecting God’s nature.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love. Just as Peter transcended boundaries, we should embrace diversity and unity. Recognizing love as a gift from God, we must actively demonstrate it through our actions. By following Jesus’ teachings, we become His friends, bearing fruit that lasts. Let us strive to love without limits, just as God first loved us, fostering a world united in His love.