Daily Readings - Thu May 14 2020

¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,¹⁶"Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.¹⁷For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry."²⁰"For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "'May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it';and "'Let another take his office.'²¹So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²²beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."²³And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.²⁴And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen²⁵to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."²⁶And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

John

Chapter 15

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of community, leadership, and the transformative power of love. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Church addressing a crisis—the betrayal of Judas—and taking steps to restore unity and continuity. Peter leads the disciples in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to choose a worthy successor. This moment highlights the importance of communal discernment and trust in God’s providence. The selection of Matthias reminds us that every member of the community has a role to play, and that even in times of loss, God provides a way forward. In the Gospel, Jesus deepens the understanding of His relationship with His disciples. He calls them friends, not servants, because He has shared with them everything He has received from the Father. This friendship is rooted in love—a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and life-giving. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, a love that goes beyond mere affection or convenience. It is a love that is willing to lay down one’s life for others, just as He did for us. These readings challenge us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we building communities rooted in prayer and mutual support? Do we see ourselves as friends of Jesus, called to bear fruit that lasts? Let us strive to embody the love and unity that Jesus modeled for us. May we, like Matthias, be willing to step into our roles with humility and trust, and may we, like the disciples, embrace the joy and responsibility of being friends of Christ. In doing so, we will fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another and bring His light into a world that so desperately needs it.