Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2017
Acts
44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
John
7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as disciples. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's courageous proclamation of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Despite facing envy and rejection from some, they remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan to spread His Word to all nations. The Gentiles, in particular, receive the message with joy, demonstrating the universal reach of God's salvation. Meanwhile, in the Gospel of John, Jesus deepens the disciples' understanding of His unity with the Father. He emphasizes that to know Him is to know the Father and that His works are a manifestation of the Father's presence within Him. Jesus also promises that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, as He will intercede for them with the Father.
These readings are deeply connected by the theme of mission and the revelation of God's divine plan. In Acts, we see the early Church expanding its reach beyond the Jewish community, fulfilling Jesus' command to bring the Gospel to all people. In John's Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission they will undertake after His departure, assuring them of the Father's continued presence and power through the Holy Spirit. Together, these passages remind us that we, too, are called to be bearers of God's light in the world. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced challenges but remained faithful, we are invited to embrace our role as missionaries in our own contexts, trusting in God's grace to guide and empower us.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out our faith with courage and joy. Like the Gentiles who glorified God upon hearing the Word, may our hearts be open to receiving and sharing the Good News. Like Philip, who sought a deeper understanding of the Father, may we yearn for a closer relationship with God. And like Paul and Barnabas, may we remain steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that our efforts to spread God's love are part of a larger divine plan. Let us also remember Jesus' promise that we can do greater works in His name, not through our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we, therefore, live each day with a renewed commitment to sharing God's love and trusting in His providence.