Daily Readings - Thu May 01 2025
Acts
27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
John
31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful testimonies of faith and obedience to God. The first reading from Acts describes Peter and the Apostles standing before the Sanhedrin, refusing to stop preaching about Jesus despite the council’s orders. They boldly affirm that they must obey God rather than men, testifying to the resurrection of Jesus and His role as the Ruler and Savior of Israel. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the One who comes from heaven, above all things, speaking the words of God. He testifies to what He has seen, and while some reject His testimony, those who accept it affirm God’s truth. The passage concludes with the solemn reminder that belief in the Son brings eternal life, while unbelief results in remaining under God’s wrath.
These readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on testimony and obedience. In Acts, the Apostles’ courage to speak the truth despite persecution reflects their unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Similarly, in John’s Gospel, Jesus’ testimony is a call to faith, urging us to recognize His divine authority and the eternal consequences of our response to Him. Both readings remind us that following Christ requires boldness and trust in His Word, even when it challenges the world’s expectations.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to living as witnesses of Christ. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition? Do we truly believe in the divine authority of Jesus and the eternal life He offers? Let us pray for the courage to obey God above all else and to trust in His truth, knowing that our faith has the power to transform not only our own lives but the lives of those around us. May we, like the Apostles, be bold in proclaiming the Good News, and may we, like those who accept Jesus’ testimony, find eternal life in Him.