Daily Readings - Thu Apr 23 2020
Acts
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,28saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us."29But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.
John
31He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.32He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.33Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.34For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.35The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and obedience. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 presents Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the threat of death, they affirm their commitment to obeying God over men, testifying to Jesus' resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This scene underscores the early Christian church's perseverance amidst persecution, highlighting the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine nature and His role as a witness to the Father. Jesus, coming from above, speaks of heavenly truths, offering eternal life to believers. John emphasizes that faith in Jesus is paramount, distinguishing those who accept God's truth from those who reject it. This passage invites us to consider the profound implications of believing in Jesus and the eternal consequences of such belief.
These readings intersect in their emphasis on obedience to God and the significance of testimony. Both narratives call us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, we may encounter challenges that test our commitment to our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in the face of opposition. As we navigate life's trials, let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Jesus, remembering that our faith is a testament to God's enduring love and truth. May we embrace the courage to live out our beliefs, trusting in God's providence and remaining faithful witnesses in a world that often resists the Gospel.