Daily Readings - Sat May 01 2021
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 two profound moments of revelation and mission. The first reading from Acts 13:44-52 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, highlighting God's plan to extend His message beyond the Jewish community. The second reading, John 14:7-14, captures a deeply intimate conversation where Jesus reveals His unity with the Father, assuring His disciples that knowing Him is knowing the Father. He promises that believers will continue His works, even greater ones, through faith.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's missionary work in Acts reflects the early Church's struggle and eventual expansion beyond its Jewish roots, driven by the Holy Spirit. In John's Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples, emphasizing the unity between the Father and the Son, which is central to Christian belief. Both readings underscore themes of inclusion and divine presence.
These readings connect through their emphasis on expanding God's message and the deep connection between Jesus and the Father. Paul's outreach to Gentiles mirrors Jesus's promise of continued works through believers, highlighting the Church's role in spreading God's love. Both narratives encourage us to embrace our mission and trust in God's presence.
Applying this to daily life, we are called to be open to all people, reflecting God's inclusive love. Just as Paul reached out to Gentiles, we should engage with diverse communities. Additionally, trusting in God's unity with us, as Jesus is with the Father, empowers us to face challenges with faith, knowing we are part of something greater.
The moral lesson here is one of unity and mission. We are called to reflect God's love in our actions, embracing all people and trusting in His presence. By doing so, we continue Jesus's work, bringing light and salvation to the world.