Daily Readings - Tue May 14 2019
Acts
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
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of community, unity, and the call to love as Jesus has loved us. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community gathered together, addressing the need to replace Judas among the Twelve Apostles. Peter emphasizes that the Scriptures must be fulfilled, and the community prayerfully selects Matthias through a process of discernment and trust in God’s will. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining unity and continuity in the face of loss or division, as well as the reliance on prayer and the Holy Spirit in making decisions.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the profound love He shares with them, a love that mirrors the love the Father has for Him. He calls them to abide in this love by keeping His commandments, particularly the commandment to love one another. Jesus elevates the relationship with His disciples from one of master and servant to that of friends, sharing with them the Father’s plan and entrusting them with a mission to bear lasting fruit. This passage reminds us that our identity as followers of Christ is rooted in love—both receiving God’s love and sharing it with others.
These readings are deeply connected. The early Church in Acts models the kind of love and unity that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Just as the disciples came together to restore their community after Judas’ betrayal, we too are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love, even in the face of challenges or divisions. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not just about individual devotion but about building up the Body of Christ through love, unity, and a shared mission. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How am I contributing to the unity of my community? How am I sharing the love of Christ with those around me? May we, like Matthias, be chosen and called by God to bear fruit that lasts, and may we, like the early Church, trust in God’s guidance as we strive to live out the love of Christ.