Daily Readings - Mon May 04 2020
Acts
1And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,3Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,5I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:6Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.7And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.9But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.10And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.11And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:13And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
John
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal love and the call to embrace diversity in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision from God, which compels him to recognize that the Gentiles, too, are called to receive the Word of God. This vision challenges Peter’s initial hesitation and the prejudices of the early Christian community, teaching them that God’s plan of salvation is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations. The Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles confirms that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of background or identity. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it begins to understand its mission to the wider world.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He emphasizes that His flock includes not only those who currently follow Him but also others who will hear His voice. Jesus’ love is not exclusive; it is expansive, reaching beyond boundaries to unite all people under His care. The Good Shepherd’s willingness to sacrifice His life underscores the depth of His commitment to His sheep, and His mission to gather all into one flock reflects God’s desire for unity and inclusion.
These readings remind us that our faith is not meant to be confined to a specific group or community. Like Peter, we are called to overcome our biases and prejudices, recognizing that God’s love knows no bounds. As followers of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to embrace diversity and to welcome others into our lives and communities. Let us reflect on how we might be excluding others, either intentionally or unintentionally, and ask for the grace to imitate Jesus’ selfless love and universal embrace. May we, like the early Church, allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in living out the inclusive and transformative message of the Gospel.