Daily Readings - Sun May 05 2019
Acts
28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Revelation
11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
John
1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.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
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the profound themes of faith, persecution, divine glory, and the call to serve. In the First Reading from Acts, we witness the unwavering courage of Peter and the Apostles as they face persecution for preaching the name of Jesus. Despite being beaten and warned, they rejoice in their suffering, recognizing it as a privilege to endure for the sake of the Gospel. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about comfort or convenience but about obedience to God’s will, even when it leads to hardship.
The Second Reading from Revelation shifts our gaze to the heavenly realm, where the Lamb who was slain is glorified and adored by all creation. This majestic hymn of praise underscores the central mystery of our faith: Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord, is worthy of all honor and worship. The scene in Revelation invites us to lift our eyes beyond the trials of this world and to behold the eternal glory of the Lamb who has triumphed over sin and death.
In the Gospel, we encounter the risen Jesus on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. This post-resurrection appearance is both a moment of reunion and a commissioning. Jesus’ conversation with Peter is particularly significant. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, and three times, Peter affirms his love. Each time, Jesus responds with a call to action: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” This exchange is not just about Peter’s personal devotion but about his mission to care for the flock of Christ. It is a powerful reminder that our love for Jesus must be expressed in concrete acts of service and care for others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to challenges and setbacks in our own lives? Do we, like the Apostles, rejoice in suffering for the sake of the Gospel? Do we, like the heavenly host, worship Jesus with the fullness of our hearts? And do we, like Peter, allow our love for Jesus to translate into tangible acts of service and compassion?
May these readings inspire us to live with courage, worship with abandon, and serve with love. Let us follow Jesus, even when the path is uncertain, trusting that He will guide us and empower us to bear witness to His name in a world that so desperately needs His light and love. Amen.