Daily Readings - Thu Apr 15 2021
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 powerful messages about faith, obedience, and the divine truth. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the council's anger and threats, they remain steadfast, declaring their allegiance to God over men. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading Jesus' message, even in the face of persecution.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine origin and the imperative of belief. Jesus, coming from heaven, speaks God's words, offering testimony of divine truth. The passage emphasizes that belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, while unbelief results in remaining under God's wrath. This underscores the significance of trusting in Jesus as the source of eternal life and the embodiment of God's truth.
Both readings converge on the themes of testimony and obedience to God. The apostles in Acts testify to Jesus' resurrection and salvation, obeying God despite earthly threats. In John, Jesus is the divine testimony, and believing in him is paramount. This connection reminds us that our faith must be our guiding principle, influencing our actions and decisions, even when faced with challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain faithful and courageous. We may encounter situations where we must choose between conforming to worldly norms or standing up for our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast, even when it is difficult. Our commitment to Jesus should guide our actions, trusting that He will navigate us through life's trials.
The moral lesson is clear: Jesus is the ultimate truth, and our commitment to Him should be unwavering. We must obey God's will, even when it leads us through challenging circumstances, trusting in His guidance and plan. Let us embrace this truth, allowing it to transform our lives and strengthen our resolve to follow Him faithfully.