Daily Readings - Fri Apr 26 2024
Acts
26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.28And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.29And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.30But God raised him from the dead:31And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
John
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we first hear Paul addressing the people of Antioch, recounting the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasizes that the leaders in Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus, leading to his death, but God's power raised him on the third day, fulfilling the promises of old. This sets the stage for the Good News of salvation through Jesus.
In the Gospel, Jesus comforts his disciples with the assurance that he will prepare a place for them in his Father's house. He affirms that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, guiding us to the Father. This passage underscores Jesus' role as our ultimate guide and source of truth.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on belief and trust in Jesus. Paul's message highlights the fulfillment of God's promises, while Jesus' words offer comfort and direction. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan and follow Jesus as our guide. In our daily lives, this means placing our faith in God's providence and seeking to follow Jesus' teachings, even in uncertain times. This trust brings us hope and purpose, as we journey towards the eternal home Jesus has prepared for us.