Daily Readings - Sun May 08 2022
Acts
14but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.43And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.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.
Revelation
9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
John
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.30I and the Father are one."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the universal call to salvation and the unity of God's people. In the First Reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas facing rejection by the Jews in Antioch, only to turn their attention to the Gentiles, who receive the Word of God with joy. This moment marks a significant shift in the early Christian Church, as the Gospel begins to spread beyond its Jewish roots. The Second Reading from Revelation offers a breathtaking vision of the end times, where people from every nation, tribe, and language stand before the throne of God, united in their worship and redemption through the blood of the Lamb. The Gospel from John complements these themes, as Jesus speaks of His sheep hearing His voice and receiving eternal life, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His flock.
These readings are deeply interconnected. The missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas in Acts foreshadows the universal vision of Revelation, where all people are gathered before God's throne. Jesus' promise of eternal life in John's Gospel underscores the ultimate purpose of this universal salvation. Together, they remind us that God's plan is not limited to a particular group but extends to all creation. The rejection by the Jews in Acts serves as a turning point, highlighting that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or identity.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace the diversity of God's people and to trust in His providence. Just as Paul and Barnabas persevered despite persecution, we too are called to remain faithful, even in the face of challenges. The vision in Revelation encourages us to live with hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to be united with all the saints in worship before God's throne. Jesus' promise of eternal life reminds us to listen to His voice and to follow Him with confidence. Let us strive to be instruments of unity and inclusion, reflecting the universal love of God in our words and actions.