Daily Readings - Wed Apr 11 2018
Acts
17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.20"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.22When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,23"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside."24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.25Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.
John
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the choice between light and darkness. The First Reading from Acts recounts the Apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission despite imprisonment and opposition. Freed by an angel, they continue to teach boldly, embodying the courage and resilience that defines their faith. The Gospel from John presents the iconic verse about God's love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. It contrasts light and darkness, urging us to embrace the light of truth and goodness over the shadows of evil.
The context of these readings is crucial. Acts highlights the early Christian community's struggles against religious authorities, illustrating the tension between tradition and the new message of Christ. The Apostles' perseverance underscores the importance of standing firm in faith despite adversity. In John, Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus emphasizes the transformative power of belief and the judgment that comes from rejecting the light. Together, these passages remind us that our faith is not just a belief but a way of life that requires courage and commitment.
These readings relate to each other through the theme of standing firm in faith amidst challenges. The Apostles in Acts face persecution yet continue their mission, while John's Gospel calls us to choose light over darkness. This duality encourages us to reflect on our own lives—how do we respond to challenges? Do we shrink back, or do we stand firm, trusting in God's plan?
In our daily lives, we face moments where our faith is tested. Whether it's standing up for our beliefs or choosing right over wrong, these readings inspire us to act with courage. The moral lesson here is clear: perseverance and trust in God's plan are essential. Just as the Apostles trusted God's guidance, we too can navigate life's challenges with faith, knowing that our actions reflect our commitment to the light of Christ.
As we go forth, let us remember that our faith is a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. May we embrace the courage of the Apostles and the transformative power of Christ's love, choosing each day to walk in the light and share its radiance with others.