Daily Readings - Sat May 01 2021
Acts
44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
John
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.13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of revelation and mission. The first reading from Acts 13:44-52 recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, highlighting God's plan to extend His message beyond the Jewish community. The second reading, John 14:7-14, captures a deeply intimate conversation where Jesus reveals His unity with the Father, assuring His disciples that knowing Him is knowing the Father. He promises that believers will continue His works, even greater ones, through faith.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's missionary work in Acts reflects the early Church's struggle and eventual expansion beyond its Jewish roots, driven by the Holy Spirit. In John's Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples, emphasizing the unity between the Father and the Son, which is central to Christian belief. Both readings underscore themes of inclusion and divine presence.
These readings connect through their emphasis on expanding God's message and the deep connection between Jesus and the Father. Paul's outreach to Gentiles mirrors Jesus's promise of continued works through believers, highlighting the Church's role in spreading God's love. Both narratives encourage us to embrace our mission and trust in God's presence.
Applying this to daily life, we are called to be open to all people, reflecting God's inclusive love. Just as Paul reached out to Gentiles, we should engage with diverse communities. Additionally, trusting in God's unity with us, as Jesus is with the Father, empowers us to face challenges with faith, knowing we are part of something greater.
The moral lesson here is one of unity and mission. We are called to reflect God's love in our actions, embracing all people and trusting in His presence. By doing so, we continue Jesus's work, bringing light and salvation to the world.