Daily Readings - Sun May 06 2018
Acts
25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John
9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.17These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about love, unity, and the inclusive nature of God’s plan. The first reading from Acts recounts a pivotal moment in the early Church when Peter recognizes the Holy Spirit’s presence in Gentiles, leading him to baptize them. This act signifies the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, emphasizing God’s universal love. The second reading from 1 John deepens this theme, explaining that love originates from God and is exemplified through His sacrifice. The Gospel from John further elaborates, with Jesus commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, highlighting the depth of divine love and the unique friendship He offers.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of love. Acts illustrates the practical application of loving beyond boundaries, while 1 John provides the theological foundation, explaining love as a divine gift. John’s Gospel personalizes this love, showing it as a command and a pathway to friendship with Jesus. Together, they remind us that love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act selflessly, reflecting God’s nature.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love. Just as Peter transcended boundaries, we should embrace diversity and unity. Recognizing love as a gift from God, we must actively demonstrate it through our actions. By following Jesus’ teachings, we become His friends, bearing fruit that lasts. Let us strive to love without limits, just as God first loved us, fostering a world united in His love.