Daily Readings - Sun May 10 2020
Acts
1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
1 Peter
4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
John
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.8Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Sermon
The readings today guide us to reflect on the nature of faith, service, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community addressing a practical problem—the fair distribution of resources to widows. The Apostles, recognizing their primary role as spiritual leaders, delegate the task to seven trusted disciples, ensuring that the Word of God remains central to their mission. This passage reminds us that effective service requires both prayer and action, and that leadership involves empowering others to contribute their gifts for the common good.
The second reading from 1 Peter deepens this theme by describing believers as "living stones" built on the cornerstone of Christ. We are called to be a "holy priesthood," offering spiritual sacrifices that honor God. This imagery emphasizes our shared identity as a community of faith, united in our belief in Jesus, the rejected stone who has become the foundation of our salvation. Just as the early church found unity in their mission, we too are called to live as a people set apart, shining with the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.
In the Gospel, Jesus reassures His disciples with the comforting words, "Do not let your heart be troubled." He invites us to trust in Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only path to the Father. This passage challenges us to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing that our faith is not just about belonging to a community but about a living, intimate connection with Him. Like Philip, we may sometimes struggle to see the Father in Jesus, but Jesus assures us that to see Him is to see the Father. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, may we find peace in Jesus’ promise and strive to reflect His love and truth in all we do.