Daily Readings - Wed May 14 2025
Acts
15And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
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
**Sermon: Unity and Love in Action**
In today's readings, we reflect on the early Christian community and Jesus' teachings on love and friendship. The Acts of the Apostles recounts the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, demonstrating the church's commitment to unity and divine guidance. The apostles, led by Peter, prayed together, seeking God's will in their decision. This moment shows their reliance on prayer and their dedication to maintaining the integrity of their group, ensuring continuity in their mission.
The Gospel from John emphasizes Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us. Jesus refers to His disciples as friends, not servants, because He has shared all He knows with them. This friendship is rooted in mutual love and self-sacrifice, as He laid down His life for them. The call to bear lasting fruit through their actions underscores the active nature of this love, which goes beyond words and is demonstrated in deeds.
These readings connect in their emphasis on unity and love. The early church's unity in selecting Matthias mirrors the love and harmony Jesus taught. For us today, this means striving for unity in our communities, embracing our role as friends of Christ, and actively living out His teachings. We are called to bear fruit through loving actions, reflecting Jesus' love in our interactions and decisions. Let us draw inspiration from these examples to live in harmony and serve one another with the love Christ has shown us.