Daily Readings - Sat May 17 2025
Acts
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.
John
7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."8Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."9Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.12"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the spread of God's message. The First Reading from Acts 13:44-52 describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the early Church's expansion beyond its initial boundaries, emphasizing God's plan to include all people. The Gentiles' joy and the disciples' empowerment by the Holy Spirit underscore the universal nature of the Gospel message.
The Gospel from John 14:7-14 shifts focus to Jesus's conversation with Philip, where He reveals His unity with the Father. Jesus emphasizes that seeing Him is seeing the Father, and He promises that believers will perform even greater works through faith. This passage invites us to deepen our relationship with God, trusting in His presence and power within us.
These readings connect through the theme of inclusion and empowerment. In Acts, the inclusion of Gentiles mirrors the spiritual inclusion offered through faith in John. Both passages encourage us to trust in God's plan and recognize His presence in our lives, just as Philip sought to see the Father.
In our daily lives, this means embracing opportunities to share God's love and remaining steadfast despite challenges. We are empowered to do greater things through faith, just as the early disciples were. The moral lesson here is the importance of perseverance, unity with God, and trusting in His power to guide and transform us.