Daily Readings - Sun May 05 2019
Acts
28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Revelation
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
John
1Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way:2Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.3"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?No," they answered.6He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.9When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."11Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Sermon
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the profound themes of faith, persecution, divine glory, and the call to serve. In the First Reading from Acts, we witness the unwavering courage of Peter and the Apostles as they face persecution for preaching the name of Jesus. Despite being beaten and warned, they rejoice in their suffering, recognizing it as a privilege to endure for the sake of the Gospel. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about comfort or convenience but about obedience to God’s will, even when it leads to hardship.
The Second Reading from Revelation shifts our gaze to the heavenly realm, where the Lamb who was slain is glorified and adored by all creation. This majestic hymn of praise underscores the central mystery of our faith: Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord, is worthy of all honor and worship. The scene in Revelation invites us to lift our eyes beyond the trials of this world and to behold the eternal glory of the Lamb who has triumphed over sin and death.
In the Gospel, we encounter the risen Jesus on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. This post-resurrection appearance is both a moment of reunion and a commissioning. Jesus’ conversation with Peter is particularly significant. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, and three times, Peter affirms his love. Each time, Jesus responds with a call to action: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” This exchange is not just about Peter’s personal devotion but about his mission to care for the flock of Christ. It is a powerful reminder that our love for Jesus must be expressed in concrete acts of service and care for others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to challenges and setbacks in our own lives? Do we, like the Apostles, rejoice in suffering for the sake of the Gospel? Do we, like the heavenly host, worship Jesus with the fullness of our hearts? And do we, like Peter, allow our love for Jesus to translate into tangible acts of service and compassion?
May these readings inspire us to live with courage, worship with abandon, and serve with love. Let us follow Jesus, even when the path is uncertain, trusting that He will guide us and empower us to bear witness to His name in a world that so desperately needs His light and love. Amen.