Daily Readings - Mon Apr 26 2021
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
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal plan of salvation and the call to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision from God, which opened his eyes to the truth that the Gospel is for all people, not just the Jews. This vision was a turning point for the early Church, as it led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the community of believers. Peter’s courage to act on this revelation, despite resistance, shows us that God’s plan is often bigger than our limited understanding. The Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles confirmed that salvation is for everyone who believes.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd. He emphasizes that His sheep know His voice and follow Him, while they flee from strangers. This teaches us to discern God’s voice in our lives and to trust in His guidance. Jesus came not just to save us but to give us abundant life. The thief, on the other hand, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This contrast reminds us that our ultimate choice is between following Jesus, who leads us to life, or succumbing to the false promises of the world.
These readings remind us that our faith is not confined to a select few but is meant to embrace all people. Like Peter, we are called to overcome our prejudices and trust in God’s plan. As we navigate our daily lives, let us listen to Jesus’ voice, which calls us to love, forgiveness, and unity. May we, like the Gentiles in the first reading, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to transform us. Jesus is our door to eternal life; let us enter through Him with faith and trust, knowing that He will lead us to green pastures.