Daily Readings - Tue Apr 23 2024
Acts
19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
John
22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.30I and my Father are one.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and the unity that comes from following Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community expanding beyond Jerusalem, as believers scattered by persecution carry the Gospel to new lands. Barnabas, a man filled with the Holy Spirit, is sent to Antioch to support this growing community. There, he finds joy in the grace of God at work and encourages the people to remain steadfast in their faith. This passage highlights the importance of perseverance and the role of compassionate leadership in nurturing the faith of others. It also shows how the Church, even in its early days, was called to be inclusive, reaching out to people of different backgrounds.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks during the Feast of the Dedication, a time when Jews celebrated the rededication of the Temple. Surrounded by questions and doubts, Jesus reaffirms his identity as the Messiah and explains the intimate relationship he shares with his Father. He describes his followers as his sheep, who hear his voice and trust in his care. This passage invites us to reflect on our own relationship with Christ. Do we truly listen to his voice? Do we trust in his promise of eternal life? Jesus’ words remind us that our faith is not just about intellectual assent but about a deep, personal connection with him, one that gives us the strength to persevere through life’s challenges.
Today’s readings call us to live as true disciples of Christ, trusting in his guidance and remaining faithful even when faced with uncertainty. Just as the early Church in Antioch grew because of the courage of believers and the leadership of Barnabas, we too can contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom by sharing the Gospel with others and living with integrity. Let us strive to be like Christ’s sheep, attentive to his voice and confident in the love and protection he offers. May we, like Barnabas, be sources of encouragement and hope for those around us, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace.