Daily Readings - Tue May 02 2023
Acts
19Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.22The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.25So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
John
22At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter,23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."25Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me,26but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.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
In today's readings, we witness the early Christian church expanding its reach beyond Jerusalem, as described in Acts, and Jesus affirming his divine role in John's Gospel. The Acts passage highlights the spread of Christianity to Antioch, where disciples are first called Christians, emphasizing unity and growth. Meanwhile, John's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, offering eternal life to those who follow him, underscoring the assurance of salvation for believers.
Both readings share themes of inclusion and divine assurance. Acts illustrates the church's missionary efforts, showing how the Gospel reached Gentiles, while John's passage focuses on Jesus' identity and the security of his followers. This connection reminds us that faith is universal, transcending boundaries, and that trusting in God's plan brings eternal security.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace the universal call to faith, to trust in God's protection, and to actively share the Gospel. The moral lesson is clear: unity in diversity and trust in God's plan lead us to eternal life, as we follow the Good Shepherd's voice.