Daily Readings - Wed May 14 2025

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

**Sermon: Unity and Love in Action** In today's readings, we reflect on the early Christian community and Jesus' teachings on love and friendship. The Acts of the Apostles recounts the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, demonstrating the church's commitment to unity and divine guidance. The apostles, led by Peter, prayed together, seeking God's will in their decision. This moment shows their reliance on prayer and their dedication to maintaining the integrity of their group, ensuring continuity in their mission. The Gospel from John emphasizes Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us. Jesus refers to His disciples as friends, not servants, because He has shared all He knows with them. This friendship is rooted in mutual love and self-sacrifice, as He laid down His life for them. The call to bear lasting fruit through their actions underscores the active nature of this love, which goes beyond words and is demonstrated in deeds. These readings connect in their emphasis on unity and love. The early church's unity in selecting Matthias mirrors the love and harmony Jesus taught. For us today, this means striving for unity in our communities, embracing our role as friends of Christ, and actively living out His teachings. We are called to bear fruit through loving actions, reflecting Jesus' love in our interactions and decisions. Let us draw inspiration from these examples to live in harmony and serve one another with the love Christ has shown us.