Daily Readings - Sun May 11 2025

Acts

14but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.43And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.44The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.46And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.50But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.51But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Revelation

9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

John

27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.30I and the Father are one."

Sermon

The readings today remind us of the universal call to salvation and the unity that exists among all who follow Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching to both Jews and Gentiles, facing rejection from some but finding eager listeners among others. This reflects the early Church's struggle to understand that God's message was not limited to one people but was meant for all. The Gentiles, upon hearing the Word, rejoiced and glorified God, showing that the Good News transcends boundaries and cultures. In Revelation, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this vision—a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God, united in worship and clothed in white robes, symbolizing their purification through the blood of the Lamb. This vision gives us hope for the ultimate unity and peace that God promises. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of his sheep hearing his voice and following him, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock. He promises eternal life and security, saying that no one can take his sheep out of his hand. This reassurance is tied to the unity of Jesus and the Father, highlighting that our ultimate security and salvation come from being in God's hands. Together, these readings remind us that God's plan is not confined to a select few but is open to all people, and that our unity as believers is rooted in our shared relationship with Christ. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might embrace the diversity of God's people and work toward unity in our own lives. Just as Paul and Barnabas persevered despite rejection, we too can remain faithful in sharing the Good News, even when it is challenging. Let us also remember that our ultimate hope is in the eternal life promised by Christ, where every tear will be wiped away, and we will dwell in the presence of God forever. May we strive to be part of that great multitude, worshiping God together in harmony, and may we trust in the Shepherd who guides and protects us on our journey.