Daily Readings - Wed Apr 22 2020

Acts

17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

John

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God’s love. The first reading from Acts recounts the Apostles’ unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel despite imprisonment and persecution. Freed miraculously by an angel, they continue to teach in the temple, embodying the resilience of those who trust in divine providence. This narrative reminds us that our faith is not confined by earthly constraints but is empowered by God’s grace to overcome any obstacle. The Gospel from John presents one of the most profound expressions of God’s love: the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. This passage invites us to reflect on the choice between belief and unbelief, light and darkness. Those who embrace the light of Christ are called to live truthfully, allowing their actions to be guided by love and integrity. Conversely, those who prefer darkness flee from the light, fearing the exposure of their deeds. This contrast challenges us to examine our own lives: do we walk in the light of Christ, or do we shy away from it? These readings call us to live as children of light, trusting in God’s plan and remaining faithful even in adversity. Just as the Apostles obeyed God’s will despite persecution, we too are called to stand firm in our commitment to the Gospel. Let us allow the light of Christ to illuminate our path, guiding us to live in truth and love. May we, like the Apostles, be bold in sharing the Good News, trusting that God’s grace will sustain us in all we do.