Daily Readings - Fri Apr 26 2024
Acts
26"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.27For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.28And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed.29And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.30But God raised him from the dead,31and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.32And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,33this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.'
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.
Sermon
In today's readings, we first hear Paul addressing the people of Antioch, recounting the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasizes that the leaders in Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus, leading to his death, but God's power raised him on the third day, fulfilling the promises of old. This sets the stage for the Good News of salvation through Jesus.
In the Gospel, Jesus comforts his disciples with the assurance that he will prepare a place for them in his Father's house. He affirms that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, guiding us to the Father. This passage underscores Jesus' role as our ultimate guide and source of truth.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on belief and trust in Jesus. Paul's message highlights the fulfillment of God's promises, while Jesus' words offer comfort and direction. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan and follow Jesus as our guide. In our daily lives, this means placing our faith in God's providence and seeking to follow Jesus' teachings, even in uncertain times. This trust brings us hope and purpose, as we journey towards the eternal home Jesus has prepared for us.