Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2017
First Reading - Acts 13.44-52
Acts
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Gospel - John 14.7-14
John
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as disciples. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's courageous proclamation of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Despite facing envy and rejection from some, they remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan to spread His Word to all nations. The Gentiles, in particular, receive the message with joy, demonstrating the universal reach of God's salvation. Meanwhile, in the Gospel of John, Jesus deepens the disciples' understanding of His unity with the Father. He emphasizes that to know Him is to know the Father and that His works are a manifestation of the Father's presence within Him. Jesus also promises that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, as He will intercede for them with the Father.
These readings are deeply connected by the theme of mission and the revelation of God's divine plan. In Acts, we see the early Church expanding its reach beyond the Jewish community, fulfilling Jesus' command to bring the Gospel to all people. In John's Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission they will undertake after His departure, assuring them of the Father's continued presence and power through the Holy Spirit. Together, these passages remind us that we, too, are called to be bearers of God's light in the world. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced challenges but remained faithful, we are invited to embrace our role as missionaries in our own contexts, trusting in God's grace to guide and empower us.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out our faith with courage and joy. Like the Gentiles who glorified God upon hearing the Word, may our hearts be open to receiving and sharing the Good News. Like Philip, who sought a deeper understanding of the Father, may we yearn for a closer relationship with God. And like Paul and Barnabas, may we remain steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that our efforts to spread God's love are part of a larger divine plan. Let us also remember Jesus' promise that we can do greater works in His name, not through our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we, therefore, live each day with a renewed commitment to sharing God's love and trusting in His providence.