Daily Readings - Sun May 05 2024
Acts
25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John
9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.17These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the boundless love of God and the unity it creates among all people. In the first reading from Acts, Peter encounters Cornelius, a Gentile, and recognizes that God’s love extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Gentiles, proving that salvation is not reserved for the Jews alone but is offered to all who fear God and act justly. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it embraces its universal mission. In the second reading from 1 John, we are reminded that love is not merely a human emotion but a divine gift. God’s love is revealed in the sacrifice of His Son, who came to atone for our sins. John emphasizes that love is not something we initiate but rather a response to the love God first showed us. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not sentimental but selfless, rooted in obedience to His teachings and a deep friendship with Him. Jesus calls us not servants but friends, sharing with us the Father’s plan and commissioning us to bear lasting fruit through love.
These readings are deeply interconnected. The love of God, which 1 John describes as the essence of His nature, is the same love that Jesus commands us to share with one another. This love is not confined to a particular group but is universal, as seen in Peter’s encounter with Cornelius. The early Church’s willingness to embrace Gentiles reflects the inclusive nature of God’s love, which breaks down walls and unites people across cultures and backgrounds. Jesus’ command to love one another is not optional but a fundamental expression of our identity as His followers. When we love as God loves, we participate in His mission to bring all people into communion with Him.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine how we embody God’s love. Do we welcome others as Jesus welcomes us, regardless of their background or differences? Do we love selflessly, even when it requires sacrifice? Let us strive to be instruments of God’s love, breaking down barriers and building bridges of unity. May we remember that love is not something we earn but a gift we receive and share. As we abide in God’s love, may our lives bear fruit that lasts, fruit that reflects the joy and unity Jesus desires for us.