Daily Readings - Mon Apr 17 2023
Acts
23When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,25who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?26The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'--27for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,28to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.29And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
John
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'8The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and transformation. The first reading from Acts 4:23-31 depicts the early Christian community praying for courage and strength after facing threats from religious leaders. They acknowledge God's sovereignty and ask for boldness to continue their mission, trusting in His plan. The second reading, John 3:1-8, introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee who visits Jesus secretly. Jesus teaches him about being born again through water and the Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God.
The context of these readings is pivotal. The early Christians in Acts are united in prayer amidst persecution, reflecting the resilience of the fledgling church. Nicodemus, a respected leader, seeks Jesus under the cover of night, indicating his curiosity and perhaps fear of judgment. Both scenarios highlight the challenges of living out one's faith, whether through overt persecution or internal doubt.
These readings intertwine through themes of courage and transformation. The early Christians' prayer for boldness mirrors Jesus' call to Nicodemus for spiritual rebirth. Both emphasize trust in God's plan and openness to the Holy Spirit. Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to face challenges with faith, seeking strength through prayer and remaining open to spiritual growth.
The moral lesson here is the importance of prayer and spiritual transformation. Like the early church, we can find courage in prayer, trusting God's plan. And like Nicodemus, we must embrace the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, allowing ourselves to be transformed and reborn. This spiritual journey enables us to see and enter the Kingdom of God, living with renewed purpose and faith.