Daily Readings - Thu Apr 11 2024
Acts
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
John
31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of testimony and obedience to God. In the first reading from Acts, Peter and the apostles stand before the council, refusing to stop teaching about Jesus despite the high priest's orders. Peter's bold response underscores their commitment to obeying God over men, highlighting Jesus' resurrection and their role as witnesses. This passage is set in the early church, where the apostles faced persecution for spreading Jesus' teachings.
The Gospel from John emphasizes Jesus' divine origin, as He testifies to heavenly truths. Jesus' words in John 3:31-36 contrast the earthly and divine realms, stressing that belief in Him leads to eternal life. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus explains His mission, focusing on His role as a divine witness.
Both readings connect through the theme of testimony and obedience. The apostles in Acts follow Jesus' example from John, who testified to divine truths. In our daily lives, this calls us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges. We are to courageously share the Gospel, trusting in God's plan. The moral lesson is clear: obedience to God is paramount, and our faith should lead us to testify about Jesus, even in difficult situations.