Daily Readings - Sat May 09 2020
Acts
44The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.46And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.50But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.51But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
John
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 encounter powerful messages of perseverance and divine connection. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager listeners among the Gentiles. Despite persecution, they continue their mission with joy, trusting in God's plan. In the Gospel, Jesus assures His disciples that knowing Him means knowing the Father, emphasizing unity and the continuation of His work through them.
These passages remind us that spreading God's message often comes with challenges. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced rejection but persisted, we too can encounter obstacles in our lives. Yet, like the disciples, we are called to trust in God's presence within us. Jesus's promise that we will do greater works than He did underscores the idea that our actions, guided by faith, can have a profound impact.
In our daily lives, let us embrace this call to perseverance and trust. When faced with adversity, may we find the courage to continue sharing God's love, just as Paul and Barnabas did. Let us remember that our connection to God through Jesus empowers us to overcome any challenge, inspiring us to live with purpose and joy, knowing we are part of a greater divine plan.