Daily Readings - Fri Jun 02 2017
First Reading - Acts 24.27; 25.13b-21
Acts
27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
13And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
Gospel - John 21.15-19
John
15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and service. The first reading from Acts depicts Paul as a prisoner, caught in a web of political and legal complexities. Despite his confinement, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, embodying the resilience of the early Christian church. His situation highlights the challenges faced by the early Christians as they navigated a world often hostile to their beliefs. Paul's unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of uncertainty, serves as a testament to the power of conviction and trust in God's plan.
The Gospel reading from John offers a poignant moment of restoration and commission. Jesus appears to Peter after His resurrection, engaging him in a threefold inquiry about his love. Each affirmation by Peter is met with a charge to "feed my lambs" or "feed my sheep," underscoring the connection between love and service. This interaction not only restores Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, but also commissions him to a life of caring for others. Jesus' words to Peter about his future, leading to a sacrificial death, emphasize that true discipleship involves following Him even when the path is difficult.
These readings converge on the theme of faith leading to action. Paul's perseverance in the face of adversity and Peter's commission to serve illustrate that our faith is not passive but active. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this faith through love and service. Just as Peter was called to care for others, we too are invited to express our love for God by serving those around us. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should inspire us to act with compassion and dedication, trusting that God guides us through all circumstances. Let us embrace this call to faith and service, following Jesus' example, even when the journey is challenging.