Daily Readings - Mon May 14 2018

¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)¹⁶and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus--¹⁷he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."²⁰"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'²¹Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²²beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."²³So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.²⁴Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen²⁵to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs."²⁶Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

John

Chapter 15

⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command.¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we journey through moments of transition and profound teachings in the early Christian community. The first reading from Acts recounts the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, completing the circle of the Twelve Apostles. This passage highlights the disciples' commitment to unity and continuity, guided by prayer and trust in God’s will. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents Jesus’ heartfelt words to His disciples, emphasizing the command to love one another as He has loved them. Jesus redefines their relationship, calling them friends rather than servants, and commissions them to bear lasting fruit through their love and obedience. The context of these readings is pivotal. In Acts, the early church is in its infancy, grappling with the loss of Judas and the need to maintain the integrity of the apostolic mission. The selection of Matthias underscores the community’s reliance on prayer and their understanding of God’s providence. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them of their new status as friends and entrusting them with the mission to love and bear fruit. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in community, friendship, and the transformative power of love. These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Just as the early disciples trusted in God’s plan and chose Matthias, we too can face decisions with prayer and confidence in divine guidance. Jesus’ call to love one another challenges us to go beyond superficial relationships and to live with the depth and selflessness that He modeled. In a world often marked by division and isolation, these readings remind us that we are called to be a community of friends, united in love and dedicated to bearing fruit that endures. Let us strive to live out this vocation with joy, fidelity, and the courage to love as Christ has loved us.