Daily Readings - Thu May 14 2020
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 nature of community, leadership, and the transformative power of love. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Church addressing a crisis—the betrayal of Judas—and taking steps to restore unity and continuity. Peter leads the disciples in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to choose a worthy successor. This moment highlights the importance of communal discernment and trust in God’s providence. The selection of Matthias reminds us that every member of the community has a role to play, and that even in times of loss, God provides a way forward.
In the Gospel, Jesus deepens the understanding of His relationship with His disciples. He calls them friends, not servants, because He has shared with them everything He has received from the Father. This friendship is rooted in love—a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and life-giving. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, a love that goes beyond mere affection or convenience. It is a love that is willing to lay down one’s life for others, just as He did for us.
These readings challenge us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we building communities rooted in prayer and mutual support? Do we see ourselves as friends of Jesus, called to bear fruit that lasts? Let us strive to embody the love and unity that Jesus modeled for us. May we, like Matthias, be willing to step into our roles with humility and trust, and may we, like the disciples, embrace the joy and responsibility of being friends of Christ. In doing so, we will fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another and bring His light into a world that so desperately needs it.