Daily Readings - Sun May 05 2024
Acts
25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.26But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."34So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.44While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.45And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.46For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,47"Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.8Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John
9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.12"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.14You are my friends if you do what I command you.15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.17These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the boundless love of God and the unity it creates among all people. In the first reading from Acts, Peter encounters Cornelius, a Gentile, and recognizes that God’s love extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Gentiles, proving that salvation is not reserved for the Jews alone but is offered to all who fear God and act justly. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it embraces its universal mission. In the second reading from 1 John, we are reminded that love is not merely a human emotion but a divine gift. God’s love is revealed in the sacrifice of His Son, who came to atone for our sins. John emphasizes that love is not something we initiate but rather a response to the love God first showed us. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not sentimental but selfless, rooted in obedience to His teachings and a deep friendship with Him. Jesus calls us not servants but friends, sharing with us the Father’s plan and commissioning us to bear lasting fruit through love.
These readings are deeply interconnected. The love of God, which 1 John describes as the essence of His nature, is the same love that Jesus commands us to share with one another. This love is not confined to a particular group but is universal, as seen in Peter’s encounter with Cornelius. The early Church’s willingness to embrace Gentiles reflects the inclusive nature of God’s love, which breaks down walls and unites people across cultures and backgrounds. Jesus’ command to love one another is not optional but a fundamental expression of our identity as His followers. When we love as God loves, we participate in His mission to bring all people into communion with Him.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine how we embody God’s love. Do we welcome others as Jesus welcomes us, regardless of their background or differences? Do we love selflessly, even when it requires sacrifice? Let us strive to be instruments of God’s love, breaking down barriers and building bridges of unity. May we remember that love is not something we earn but a gift we receive and share. As we abide in God’s love, may our lives bear fruit that lasts, fruit that reflects the joy and unity Jesus desires for us.