Daily Readings - Fri May 03 2019
1 Corinthians
1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
John
6Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."8Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."9Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.12"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the heart of our Christian faith and the profound relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 emphasizes the core of the Gospel message: Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. Paul highlights that this is not just a story but a historical and spiritual truth that has been witnessed by many, including himself. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, and without it, our belief would be in vain.
The Gospel from John 14:6-14 deepens this truth by revealing the intimate union between Jesus and the Father. Jesus declares, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement underscores the uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity. Jesus also explains that to see Him is to see the Father, for He and the Father are one. This passage invites us to reflect on the mystery of the Trinity and the divine love that flows between the Father and the Son.
Both readings call us to a deeper understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for us. The resurrection in the first reading is the ultimate proof of God’s power and love, while the Gospel reminds us that Christ is the only way to the Father. In our daily lives, this means trusting in Christ’s promises and striving to live as children of God. Let us ask ourselves: Do we truly know Christ? Do we allow His resurrection power to transform our lives? May we grow in faith, hope, and love, knowing that through Christ, we have access to the Father and the power to do even greater works in His name.