Daily Readings - Sun Apr 27 2025
Acts
12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Revelation
9I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
John
19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful expressions of faith, doubt, and the enduring presence of Christ. The First Reading from Acts describes the vibrant early Christian community, where the apostles performed miracles and drew people to the faith. The Second Reading from Revelation offers a glimpse of John’s vision, where Christ stands victorious, holding the keys of death and Hades, a reminder of His eternal power. The Gospel from John presents us with the doubting Thomas, who, despite his initial skepticism, comes to a profound confession of faith when he encounters the risen Lord.
These readings are deeply connected. The early church in Acts is the fruit of the resurrection, as the disciples, having received the Holy Spirit, go out to spread the Good News. John’s vision in Revelation underscores the ultimate triumph of Christ, which gives meaning to the struggles and persecutions faced by the early church. The story of Thomas, meanwhile, humanizes the experience of faith. Like Thomas, we may struggle with doubt, but Christ’s patience and love can transform our uncertainty into unwavering belief.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we encounter Christ. Do we, like the early Christians, trust in His power to heal and transform? Do we, like John, find strength in the vision of Christ’s eternal victory? Or do we, like Thomas, need to touch the wounds of Christ to believe? Whatever our struggles, Christ meets us where we are, offering us peace and the gift of faith. Let us, then, live as people who have seen the Lord, even if only through the eyes of others, and may our lives bear witness to the risen Christ.