Daily Readings - Wed Apr 19 2023
Acts
17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
John
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God's love. The first reading from Acts recounts the courage of the Apostles who, despite imprisonment and persecution, continued to preach the Good News. Freed miraculously by an angel, they returned to the temple, undeterred by the risks, embodying unwavering commitment to their mission. This passage highlights the early Christian community's resilience and trust in divine providence amidst adversity.
The Gospel from John presents one of the most profound expressions of God's love: the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes that God's intent is not to condemn but to save, offering eternal life to all who believe. It contrasts light and darkness, urging us to embrace truth and reject evil. Jesus, the Light of the World, reveals that our works must align with God's truth, reflecting our commitment to living in His grace.
These readings intertwine themes of obedience and faith. The Apostles' perseverance mirrors Jesus' obedience to His Father's will, demonstrating that true discipleship involves standing firm in faith despite challenges. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this same courage and trust, trusting in God's plan even when faced with obstacles. Let us choose to walk in the light of Christ, allowing His truth to guide our actions and decisions. May we, like the Apostles, faithfully proclaim God's love and live as beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.