Daily Readings - Mon May 09 2022
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about God's universal plan and the true nature of leadership and salvation. The first reading from Acts 11:1-18 describes Peter's vision, which led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian Church. This vision was pivotal, as it challenged the existing beliefs and opened the doors to a broader understanding of God's plan for all people. The Gentiles, once considered outsiders, were welcomed into the fold, signifying that salvation is not limited by cultural or religious boundaries.
The Gospel reading from John 10:1-10 presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who protects and guides His flock. Jesus emphasizes that He is the door to the sheepfold, the only true way to salvation. This metaphor underscores the importance of recognizing and following Jesus, who provides abundant life. The reading also warns against false shepherds who do not have the well-being of the flock at heart.
Together, these readings highlight God's inclusive love and the singular role of Jesus as the savior. Peter's experience in Acts shows that God's plan is universal, breaking down barriers between different groups. Jesus' words in John remind us that true leadership is about serving and guiding with love and integrity. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this inclusive vision and to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who leads us to eternal life. Let us strive to be open to God's plan and to recognize the abundant life offered through Jesus, the door to salvation.