Daily Readings - Fri May 03 2019
1 Corinthians
1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
John
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.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 are reminded of the heart of our Christian faith and the profound relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 emphasizes the core of the Gospel message: Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. Paul highlights that this is not just a story but a historical and spiritual truth that has been witnessed by many, including himself. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, and without it, our belief would be in vain.
The Gospel from John 14:6-14 deepens this truth by revealing the intimate union between Jesus and the Father. Jesus declares, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement underscores the uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity. Jesus also explains that to see Him is to see the Father, for He and the Father are one. This passage invites us to reflect on the mystery of the Trinity and the divine love that flows between the Father and the Son.
Both readings call us to a deeper understanding of who Christ is and what He has done for us. The resurrection in the first reading is the ultimate proof of God’s power and love, while the Gospel reminds us that Christ is the only way to the Father. In our daily lives, this means trusting in Christ’s promises and striving to live as children of God. Let us ask ourselves: Do we truly know Christ? Do we allow His resurrection power to transform our lives? May we grow in faith, hope, and love, knowing that through Christ, we have access to the Father and the power to do even greater works in His name.