Daily Readings - Sun Apr 25 2021
Acts
7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
1 John
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
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
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on faith, identity, and the boundless love of God. The first reading from Acts 4:7-12 presents Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, where they boldly declare that the healing of the man was through the power of Jesus Christ. Peter’s testimony underscores Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation, emphasizing that there is no other name through which we can be saved. This moment highlights the early Church’s courage in the face of adversity and the central role of Jesus in their mission.
The second reading from 1 John 3:1-2 shifts our gaze to the profound love of the Father, who calls us His children. John reminds us that our true identity as sons and daughters of God is not fully realized yet, but we will see Him as He is when He appears. This passage invites us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that our transformation into His likeness is forthcoming.
In the Gospel, John 10:11-18, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He distinguishes Himself from a hired hand, who flees in danger, by emphasizing His deep concern and love for His flock. Jesus extends His mission beyond the current fold, envisioning a unified flock under one shepherd. His voluntary sacrifice and authority to lay down and take up His life again are acts of divine love, fulfilling the Father’s command.
These readings interweave to reveal the universal scope of God’s salvation and our identity as His children. They remind us to trust in Jesus’ care and to live as His followers, guided by His example of selfless love. As we navigate life’s challenges, may we draw strength from the Good Shepherd, embrace our divine identity, and share the hope of eternal life with others, trusting in the transformative power of God’s love.