Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 15, 2021
First Reading: Acts 5.27-33
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.
Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.16The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Gospel: John 3.31-36
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.