Daily Readings - Mon May 14 2018

¹⁵And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)¹⁶Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.²⁰For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.²¹Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²²Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

John

Chapter 15

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 journey through moments of transition and profound teachings in the early Christian community. The first reading from Acts recounts the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, completing the circle of the Twelve Apostles. This passage highlights the disciples' commitment to unity and continuity, guided by prayer and trust in God’s will. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents Jesus’ heartfelt words to His disciples, emphasizing the command to love one another as He has loved them. Jesus redefines their relationship, calling them friends rather than servants, and commissions them to bear lasting fruit through their love and obedience. The context of these readings is pivotal. In Acts, the early church is in its infancy, grappling with the loss of Judas and the need to maintain the integrity of the apostolic mission. The selection of Matthias underscores the community’s reliance on prayer and their understanding of God’s providence. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them of their new status as friends and entrusting them with the mission to love and bear fruit. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in community, friendship, and the transformative power of love. These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Just as the early disciples trusted in God’s plan and chose Matthias, we too can face decisions with prayer and confidence in divine guidance. Jesus’ call to love one another challenges us to go beyond superficial relationships and to live with the depth and selflessness that He modeled. In a world often marked by division and isolation, these readings remind us that we are called to be a community of friends, united in love and dedicated to bearing fruit that endures. Let us strive to live out this vocation with joy, fidelity, and the courage to love as Christ has loved us.