Daily Readings - Sat May 07 2022
Acts
31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
John
53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the transformative grace of God in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, we see Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, performing miracles that bring healing and new life to those around him. Aeneas, paralyzed for eight years, is healed through Peter’s faith, and Tabitha, a disciple known for her kindness and generosity, is raised from the dead. These miracles not only demonstrate God’s power but also highlight the impact of faith and compassion in the early Christian community. The people’s response—conversion and belief in the Lord—shows how acts of love and faith can draw others to God.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges His disciples with a difficult teaching: that His flesh and blood are the source of eternal life. Many find this teaching hard to accept and walk away, but Peter, speaking for the Twelve, professes unwavering faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This exchange emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s word, even when it is difficult to understand or accept. Jesus reminds us that true faith is a gift from the Father and that His words are spirit and life.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and how it shapes our lives. Like Peter, we are called to trust in God’s power and to live out our faith through acts of love and service. Like the disciples, we may face moments of doubt or confusion, but we are reminded that true faith perseveres and deepens our relationship with God. Let us ask for the grace to embrace God’s word fully, even when it challenges us, and to live as witnesses of His love in the world.