Daily Readings - Wed May 15 2019
Acts
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
John
44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.45And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.50And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter the vibrant life of the early Church and the profound teachings of Jesus. The first reading from Acts describes the thriving community in Antioch, where prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, are ministering. The Holy Spirit interrupts their fasting and prayer, calling them to set aside Saul and Barnabas for a special mission. This moment marks the beginning of the first great missionary journey, as they are sent forth by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God in Cyprus. The reading highlights the Church’s openness to the Spirit’s guidance and its readiness to respond to God’s call, even when it means letting go of familiar faces.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Light of the world, emphasizing that faith in Him is faith in the Father who sent Him. Jesus clarifies that He did not come to judge but to save, and that those who reject Him will be judged by His words on the last day. This passage underscores the urgency of responding to God’s Word and the eternal consequences of accepting or rejecting it. Jesus’ words are not His own but come from the Father, and they are a path to eternal life.
These readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger mission. Like the early Church, we are called to listen to the Holy Spirit and be open to where God is leading us. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine how we receive and live out His teachings in our daily lives. Are we reflecting His light in the world, or are we allowing darkness to prevail? Let us ask for the grace to be faithful stewards of the Word, trusting in God’s plan and allowing His light to shine through us.