Daily Readings - Sat May 14 2022

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 reflect on the essence of community, love, and divine guidance. The first reading from Acts recounts the disciples' decision to replace Judas, emphasizing their reliance on prayer and trust in God's will. This moment highlights the importance of unity and the need to maintain the integrity of their group as they await the Holy Spirit. The selection of Matthias through prayer and casting lots underscores the early Church's commitment to communal decision-making and faith in divine guidance. The Gospel from John deepens this reflection as Jesus shares His final teachings, focusing on love and friendship. He calls His disciples friends, not servants, and commands them to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not passive but active, a selfless commitment that mirrors Jesus' own sacrifice. The readings together remind us that our faith is not solitary but lived within a community bound by love and mutual support. In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to embody love and unity. Just as the early disciples came together in faith, we too should seek God's guidance in our decisions and nurture our communities with love. Let us strive to be friends of Jesus, living out His commandments and spreading His love. May we bear fruit that lasts, inspiring others through our actions and fostering a world united in love and faith.