Daily Readings - Wed Apr 24 2024
Acts
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
John
44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.45And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.50And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the vibrant life of the early Church in Antioch, where prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, ministered together. The Holy Spirit intervenes, calling Saul and Barnabas to a special mission, and with prayer and fasting, the community commissions them for this work. This passage highlights the Church’s reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the importance of communal discernment and support in fulfilling God’s will. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the light of the world, sent by the Father to save humanity. Jesus emphasizes that His words are not His own but come from the Father, and those who reject His message will be judged by it on the last day. This passage underscores the divine authority of Jesus’ teachings and the seriousness of responding to His call.
Both readings emphasize the theme of being sent and guided by God. In Acts, the Holy Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul on their mission, while in John, Jesus is sent by the Father to bring light and salvation to the world. Together, these readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger divine plan. Just as the early Church in Antioch listened to the Holy Spirit and supported those called to mission, we too are called to discern God’s will in our lives and to trust in His guidance.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life? Do I trust that God has a plan for me, even when it involves stepping out of my comfort zone? Jesus’ words remind us that His teachings are not optional but are the path to eternal life. Let us strive to live by His words and to share His light with others, just as Barnabas and Saul did. May we, like the early Church, be a community that supports one another in fulfilling the mission God has given us, and may we always remember that our ultimate judge is the Word of God, who is also our Savior.