Daily Readings - Tue May 13 2025
Acts
19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
John
22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.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 first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community’s expansion beyond Jerusalem, as believers, scattered by persecution, carried the Gospel to new regions, including Antioch. There, Barnabas, a man of faith and grace, was sent by the Jerusalem Church to support this growing community. He later sought out Saul, who would become Paul, the great missionary. This passage highlights the Church’s rapid growth and the unity of believers across diverse backgrounds. The Gospel from John presents Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication, where he is questioned by the Jews about his identity. Jesus responds by affirming his unity with the Father and explaining that his sheep hear his voice and follow him, receiving eternal life. This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority and the intimate relationship he shares with those who belong to him.
These readings are deeply connected. In Acts, we see the early Church living out the mission of spreading the Gospel, which Jesus had entrusted to his followers. The unity and faith of the early Christians reflect the unity Jesus speaks of in John’s Gospel between himself and the Father. Just as Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and follow him, the early Church listened to the Holy Spirit and trusted in God’s plan, even as they faced challenges. Both readings remind us that being part of God’s family requires faith, trust, and a willingness to follow his will, even when the path is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own faith journey. Are we listening to Jesus’ voice and following him with a resolute heart, as Barnabas and the early Christians did? Do we trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear? Like the early Church, we are called to share the Gospel with others, not just in words but through our actions and the way we live. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a Christian, not just in name but in deed? Am I united with Christ and with my brothers and sisters in faith? May we, like Barnabas, be filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, and may we, like Jesus’ sheep, hear his voice and follow him faithfully.