Daily Readings - Sun May 14 2017
Second Reading - 1 Peter 2.4-9
1 Peter
4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Gospel - John 14.1-12
John
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9Jesus 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?10Believest 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.11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.12Verily, 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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of our identity as followers of Christ and the profound relationship we share with God. The second reading from 1 Peter describes us as “living stones,” built upon the cornerstone of Christ, forming a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. This passage emphasizes that we are not just individuals but a community called to offer spiritual sacrifices and to proclaim the virtues of God, who has brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light. The Gospel from John further deepens this understanding, as Jesus assures his disciples—and us—that he is preparing a place for us in his Father’s house. He reveals himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only path to the Father. This revelation is not just an intellectual truth but a living, transformative reality that shapes how we understand ourselves and our purpose in the world.
The readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize our identity as God’s chosen people and our dependence on Christ. In 1 Peter, we are called to live out our faith in a way that reflects our union with Christ, the living stone. In John’s Gospel, Jesus underscores that this union is not merely symbolic but deeply personal and relational. He is the Way, meaning that our journey toward God is not about our own efforts but about trusting in him. He is the Truth, meaning that our understanding of the world and ourselves must be rooted in his revelation. He is the Life, meaning that our very existence finds its ultimate meaning and purpose in him. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we are living out this identity and relationship in our daily lives.
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a “living stone,” contributing to the spiritual house that is the Church? Am I trusting in Christ as the Way, even when the path is uncertain? Am I allowing his Truth to shape my thoughts, words, and actions? Am I living as one who has been brought out of darkness into his marvelous light? The moral lesson here is clear: our identity and purpose are rooted in Christ. We are called to be his presence in the world, to proclaim his virtues, and to trust in his promise of eternal life. May we embrace this call with faith, hope, and love, knowing that we are not alone but are part of a holy priesthood, a chosen generation, and a people set apart for God’s glory.