Daily Readings - Thu Apr 28 2022
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 two powerful narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their preaching despite the threats they face. Their unwavering commitment to obeying God's will over human authority highlights the early church's resilience amidst persecution. The second reading, John 3:31-36, presents Jesus' discourse on His divine origin and the imperative of belief in Him for eternal life, underscoring the profound truth of His mission as the Son of God.
Both readings converge on the themes of obedience to God and the transformative power of faith. The Apostles' defiance in the face of adversity mirrors Jesus' own unwavering dedication to His Father's will. This connection reminds us that our faith must be rooted in a deep trust in God, even when faced with challenges. The readings encourage us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith authentically, just as the Apostles did, and to embrace the eternal life offered through belief in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to stand firm in our faith, even when societal pressures or personal struggles arise. They remind us that true obedience to God's will can lead us through any trial, offering us the strength to persevere. Let us draw inspiration from the Apostles' courage and Jesus' teachings, trusting in God's plan and striving to live as witnesses of His love. May our faith be a beacon of hope, guiding us toward eternal life in Christ.