Daily Readings - Mon May 08 2023
Acts
5When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,6they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,7and there they continued to preach the gospel.8Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.9He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,10said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking.11And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.13And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,15"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.16In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.17Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."18Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.
John
21Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?"23Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.25"These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, divine presence, and the essence of discipleship. The first reading from Acts 14:5-18 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face persecution but also perform a miraculous healing. A lame man, hearing Paul, is healed through his faith, leading the crowd to mistakenly worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas humbly correct them, emphasizing their mortality and the one true God. This episode highlights the challenges of spreading the Gospel and the importance of humility in the face of divine power.
In the Gospel, John 14:21-26, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the criteria for loving Him—keeping His commandments. He promises that the Father and He will dwell with those who love Him, and the Holy Spirit will guide them. This passage underscores the internal presence of God in believers, achieved through love and obedience. It contrasts with the external, mistaken worship in Acts, showing that true divine presence is experienced internally through faith and adherence to God's will.
These readings remind us to trust in God's presence and provision, even amidst challenges. Like Paul and Barnabas, we must remain humble and faithful, recognizing God's work in our lives. Jesus' words call us to a deep, loving relationship with Him, expressed through obedience. As we navigate life's trials, may we trust in God's presence, stay humble, and keep His commandments, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. This faith and love will manifest God's presence in our hearts and lives.