Daily Readings - Tue May 14 2024

¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,¹⁶"Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.¹⁷For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry."²⁰"For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "'May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it';and "'Let another take his office.'²¹So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²²beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."²³And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.²⁴And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen²⁵to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."²⁶And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

John

Chapter 15

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

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the essence of community, love, and mission in our Christian journey. In the First Reading from Acts, the apostles, following Jesus’ ascension, address the vacancy left by Judas. They seek to maintain the integrity of their group, ensuring their number remains at twelve, a symbol of completeness. This act underscores the importance of unity and continuity in the face of loss. The Gospel from John complements this narrative, as Jesus, preparing His disciples for His departure, emphasizes the foundation of their mission: love. He calls them friends, sharing all He has received from the Father, and commissions them to bear lasting fruit through love. The context of these readings is pivotal. The apostles, after the resurrection, are restoring their community to fulfill their mission effectively. Similarly, Jesus, in His final discourse, prepares His disciples to carry on His work, rooted in love. These passages highlight the interconnectedness of community and mission, showing that a united body is essential for spreading God’s message. In our daily lives, these readings remind us to cherish and nurture unity within our communities. Just as the apostles sought to maintain their integrity, we must strive to keep our relationships grounded in love and mutual support. Jesus’ commandment to love one another is not merely a suggestion but the cornerstone of our Christian identity. As we go about our lives, we are called to bear fruit through acts of love and service, reflecting Jesus’ example. Let us embrace this mission with joy and fidelity, remembering that our actions speak volumes about our faith.