Daily Readings - Sun Apr 07 2024
Acts
32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
1 John
1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
John
19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith, love, and unity in the life of the Church. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community living in perfect harmony, sharing all things in common, and caring for one another’s needs. This unity was not accidental but flowed from their shared faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Apostles, filled with grace, testified to this truth, and the community responded with generosity and trust in God’s providence. This passage challenges us to reflect on how we live out our faith in our own communities—do we share what we have, or do we hold onto things selfishly? Do we trust in God’s plan for our lives and for the world?
In the second reading from 1 John, we are reminded that love for God and love for others are inseparable. To love God is to keep His commandments, and to love those born of God is to love God Himself. John emphasizes that this love is not a burden but a source of strength. Faith in Jesus Christ, who came by water and blood, overcomes the world. This reading invites us to examine our own love for God and for others. Do we see love as a commandment to be obeyed, or as a gift that transforms us? Do we allow our faith to overcome the challenges and doubts we face in life?
The Gospel from John brings us to the evening of Easter Sunday, where Jesus appears to His disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit upon them. This moment is the birth of the Church, and it is a reminder of the mission we have all received—to forgive sins and to spread the Good News. Thomas, who was not present that evening, represents our own struggles with doubt. Yet, when Jesus appears to him again, Thomas’s doubt turns to faith, and he confesses Jesus as “My Lord and my God.” Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing, and this is a blessing extended to us today. The readings remind us that faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God’s presence and love, even when we cannot see Him. Let us ask ourselves: Do we allow our faith to guide us in times of uncertainty? Do we live as people who have been transformed by the love and power of the Resurrection?