Daily Readings - Fri May 14 2021

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

In today's readings, we witness the early church's response to the vacancy left by Judas, as described in Acts. Peter leads the community in prayer, seeking God's guidance to choose a worthy replacement. This moment highlights the importance of unity and discernment, as they rely on prayer and trust in God's will through the casting of lots, leading to Matthias joining the apostles. This act underscores the community's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of their mission, guided by faith and collaboration. In the Gospel, Jesus shares a profound message of love and friendship. He redefines the relationship between Himself and His disciples, elevating it from servitude to friendship. This transformation is rooted in mutual love and obedience, as Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them. The essence of this love is selflessness, exemplified by the greatest act of laying down one's life for others. Jesus also emphasizes that we are chosen by Him to bear lasting fruit, a metaphor for the transformative impact of living out His teachings. These readings intertwine the themes of community, prayerful decision-making, and selfless love. The early church's unity in selecting Matthias reflects their dedication to Jesus' teachings, particularly the commandment to love. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love, whether in our personal relationships or community decisions. Let us embrace our role as chosen by God, responding with hearts full of love and service, bearing fruit that endures. May we, like the early church, trust in God's guidance and strive to live as true friends of Christ, spreading His love in all we do.