Daily Readings - Sun May 07 2023
Acts
1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
1 Peter
4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.6For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."7So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,"8and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense."They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
John
1"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.2In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.4And you know the way to where I am going."5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"6Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."8Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."9Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.12"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons about community, faith, and the role of each believer. The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian church addressing a practical issue—widows being overlooked. The Apostles, recognizing the need for organization, appointed deacons to manage temporal affairs, ensuring that spiritual leadership could focus on prayer and ministry. This highlights the church's adaptability and commitment to both spiritual and temporal well-being.
The second reading from 1 Peter uses the metaphor of living stones to depict the church as a spiritual entity. Each believer is a stone, with Jesus as the cornerstone, symbolizing unity and the integral role each person plays in the church. This emphasizes our collective identity as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and announcing God's virtues.
In the Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples, asserting He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This declaration not only provides comfort but also clarity about His relationship with the Father. Jesus' words remind us that our faith is rooted in Him, and through Him, we find our way to the Father.
These readings interconnect by emphasizing community and purpose. Acts shows the church's structure, 1 Peter our spiritual identity, and John our ultimate purpose in Jesus. In daily life, this calls us to be active, serving members of our communities, trusting in Jesus as our guide. The moral lesson is one of unity, service, and faith, reminding us that Jesus is our cornerstone, providing comfort and direction. Let us embrace our roles, united in faith, and trust in Jesus as our eternal Way.