Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2019
Acts
1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened:5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
John
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s universal love and the call to follow Jesus as the true shepherd of our souls. In the first reading from Acts, Peter explains his vision to the early Christian community, recounting how God revealed to him that no one should be considered unclean or unworthy of receiving the Gospel. This vision marked a pivotal moment in the early Church, as it led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the community of believers. Peter’s courage to challenge the traditions of his time and trust in God’s plan teaches us about the importance of openness and humility in following God’s will.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the only way to true life and salvation. He warns against false shepherds who do not have the well-being of the sheep at heart. Jesus’ words invite us to reflect on whose voice we are listening to in our lives. Are we following the voice of the Good Shepherd, who leads us to abundant life, or are we being swayed by false promises that lead to destruction? Jesus’ role as the door reminds us that our ultimate security and peace come from Him alone.
These readings call us to live with hearts open to God’s surprises and to trust in His plan, even when it challenges our assumptions. Like Peter, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the diversity of God’s people. Like the sheep in Jesus’ parable, we are invited to listen to His voice and follow Him faithfully. Let us ask for the grace to be inclusive and welcoming, just as God is, and to trust in Jesus as our Shepherd, who leads us to eternal life.