Daily Readings - Sun May 21 2017
Second Reading - 1 Peter 3.15-18
1 Peter
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Gospel - John 14.15-21
John
If ye love me, keep my commandments.And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we reflect on the essence of our faith and the promise of divine presence in our lives. The first reading from 1 Peter encourages us to sanctify Christ in our hearts, always ready to share the hope that defines us. It reminds us that suffering for righteousness is better than for wrongdoing, as Christ’s sacrifice for our sins exemplifies. The Gospel from John 14, part of Jesus’ farewell discourse, emphasizes love through obedience to His commandments. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who will guide and comfort us, ensuring we are not alone. He assures us of eternal life and unity with the Father, seen through our love and obedience.
These readings connect through themes of hope, love, and divine presence. 1 Peter contextualizes the hope we have in Christ amidst trials, while John 14 provides comfort through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just belief but a way of life marked by love and obedience. The Holy Spirit’s presence is our strength, enabling us to live out our faith courageously.
In our daily lives, let us embrace this hope and love. May we be ready to share our faith with others and find comfort in the Holy Spirit’s presence, especially in challenging times. Let us strive to live in unity with God, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. Through this, we embody the hope and love that define our Christian identity, inspired by the promise of eternal life and the Spirit’s guidance.