Daily Readings - Tue May 14 2019
Acts
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
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of community, unity, and the call to love as Jesus has loved us. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community gathered together, addressing the need to replace Judas among the Twelve Apostles. Peter emphasizes that the Scriptures must be fulfilled, and the community prayerfully selects Matthias through a process of discernment and trust in God’s will. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining unity and continuity in the face of loss or division, as well as the reliance on prayer and the Holy Spirit in making decisions.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the profound love He shares with them, a love that mirrors the love the Father has for Him. He calls them to abide in this love by keeping His commandments, particularly the commandment to love one another. Jesus elevates the relationship with His disciples from one of master and servant to that of friends, sharing with them the Father’s plan and entrusting them with a mission to bear lasting fruit. This passage reminds us that our identity as followers of Christ is rooted in love—both receiving God’s love and sharing it with others.
These readings are deeply connected. The early Church in Acts models the kind of love and unity that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Just as the disciples came together to restore their community after Judas’ betrayal, we too are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love, even in the face of challenges or divisions. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not just about individual devotion but about building up the Body of Christ through love, unity, and a shared mission. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How am I contributing to the unity of my community? How am I sharing the love of Christ with those around me? May we, like Matthias, be chosen and called by God to bear fruit that lasts, and may we, like the early Church, trust in God’s guidance as we strive to live out the love of Christ.