Daily Readings - Mon May 08 2017
First Reading - Acts 11.1-18
Acts
1And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,3Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,5I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:6Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.7And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.9But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.10And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.11And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:13And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Gospel - John 10.11-18
John
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s universal love and the call to unity among all people. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision and experience of preaching to the Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s mercy extends to all, regardless of background or identity. This was a radical message for the early Church, as it challenged the deeply rooted traditions of separation between Jews and Gentiles. Peter’s courage to embrace this new understanding, guided by the Holy Spirit, shows us that God’s plan is always one of inclusion and love. In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. He speaks of other sheep “not of this fold,” indicating that His mission is not limited to one group but extends to all humanity. Jesus’ willingness to give His life for His sheep reflects the depth of His love and commitment to unity.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both highlight the universal nature of God’s love and the call to transcend boundaries. Peter’s vision in Acts mirrors Jesus’ teaching in John, as both emphasize that God’s grace is not confined to a select few but is available to all. The early Church’s initial resistance to including Gentiles reminds us that embracing God’s universal plan often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and let go of prejudices or narrow-mindedness. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, models this inclusivity by caring for all His sheep, even those who feel lost or marginalized.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we might be excluding others or limiting God’s grace in our own hearts. Are there people we consider “outside the fold” whom God is calling us to embrace? Let us ask ourselves if we are living as true disciples of Christ, who laid down His life for all. May we, like Peter, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and courageously share God’s love with everyone we meet. As we strive to follow the Good Shepherd, let us remember that unity and inclusion are at the heart of God’s plan for humanity.