Daily Readings - Wed May 10 2017
John
44Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.45When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me.46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.49For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.50I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God's Word and our response to it. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community thriving as the Word of God spreads rapidly. The missionaries, including John, preach in the synagogues, showing the importance of collaboration in sharing the Gospel. This passage highlights the church's early focus on spreading the message and the teamwork involved in ministry.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes that believing in Him is believing in the Father who sent Him. He describes Himself as a light to the world, offering salvation to all who accept Him. However, Jesus also warns that those who reject Him will be judged by His own words. This duality underscores His role as both savior and the source of judgment, stressing the importance of accepting His teachings.
These readings remind us to embrace God's Word actively and to share it with others. Like the early missionaries, we are called to spread the Gospel in our own ways. Jesus' words challenge us to live according to His teachings, mindful that our response to His message will shape our eternal destiny. Let us strive to be lights in the world, reflecting God's love and truth, and to accept the responsibility that comes with following Christ.