Daily Readings - Sun Apr 30 2023
Acts
14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
1 Peter
20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
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 powerful messages about faith, discipleship, and the abundant life offered by Christ. The first reading from Acts describes the dramatic moment when Peter preaches to the crowd after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His words cut to the heart of the people, leading three thousand to repentance and baptism. This passage reminds us of the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of responding with faith and humility.
The second reading from 1 Peter connects suffering with discipleship. Peter reminds us that following Christ means enduring trials patiently, just as Jesus did. Christ, the sinless one, bore our sins on the cross, demonstrating the path of selfless love and forgiveness. This passage challenges us to embrace our struggles as opportunities to grow in holiness and to trust in God’s plan, even when the road is difficult.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the only true way to salvation and abundant life. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us by name and leads us to green pastures. This image invites us to reflect on our relationship with Christ: are we listening to His voice? Are we following Him through the narrow gate of faith, even when it means letting go of worldly distractions?
Today’s readings call us to live as disciples of Christ, trusting in His guidance, enduring trials with patience, and embracing the abundant life He offers. Let us ask ourselves: Am I truly following Christ, the Good Shepherd? Am I listening to His voice and living according to His teachings? May we, like the first Christians, respond to the Gospel with faith, repentance, and a commitment to live as children of God.