Daily Readings - Wed May 11 2022
Acts
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
John
44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.45And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.50And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Sermon
In today's readings, we witness the early church's vibrant faith and Jesus' profound message of divine mission. The Acts passage highlights the church in Antioch, guided by the Holy Spirit, commissioning Barnabas and Saul for their missionary journey. This episode underscores the church's reliance on the Spirit and obedience to God's will, illustrating how the early believers were attuned to divine guidance, embarking on their mission with fasting and prayer.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes His role as a light to the world, sent by the Father. He clarifies that His mission is one of salvation, not judgment, yet warns that rejection of His message will lead to judgment by His words. This duality of salvation and judgment underscores the seriousness of responding to God's Word.
These readings remind us to listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives, just as the early church did. Like Barnabas and Saul, we are called to share God's Word with others. Jesus' message invites us to embrace His light, avoiding the darkness of sin, and to take responsibility for living according to His teachings. May we, in our daily lives, obey God's will and share His love, mindful of the eternal life His commandment offers.