Daily Readings - Sun May 11 2025
Acts
14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Revelation
9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
John
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.30I and my Father are one.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the universal call to salvation and the unity that exists among all who follow Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching to both Jews and Gentiles, facing rejection from some but finding eager listeners among others. This reflects the early Church's struggle to understand that God's message was not limited to one people but was meant for all. The Gentiles, upon hearing the Word, rejoiced and glorified God, showing that the Good News transcends boundaries and cultures. In Revelation, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this vision—a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God, united in worship and clothed in white robes, symbolizing their purification through the blood of the Lamb. This vision gives us hope for the ultimate unity and peace that God promises.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of his sheep hearing his voice and following him, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock. He promises eternal life and security, saying that no one can take his sheep out of his hand. This reassurance is tied to the unity of Jesus and the Father, highlighting that our ultimate security and salvation come from being in God's hands. Together, these readings remind us that God's plan is not confined to a select few but is open to all people, and that our unity as believers is rooted in our shared relationship with Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might embrace the diversity of God's people and work toward unity in our own lives. Just as Paul and Barnabas persevered despite rejection, we too can remain faithful in sharing the Good News, even when it is challenging. Let us also remember that our ultimate hope is in the eternal life promised by Christ, where every tear will be wiped away, and we will dwell in the presence of God forever. May we strive to be part of that great multitude, worshiping God together in harmony, and may we trust in the Shepherd who guides and protects us on our journey.