Daily Readings - Sat May 18 2019
Acts
44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
John
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 journey through the early Christian Church's expansion and delve into the profound relationship between Jesus and the Father. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary efforts, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. Despite persecution, they persist, spreading the Word to Iconium. This narrative highlights the resilience of the early Church in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from John shifts focus to Jesus's intimate conversation with His disciples, where He reveals His unity with the Father. Jesus assures them that knowing Him is knowing the Father, and He promises that believers will perform even greater works through faith. This passage underscores the empowerment believers receive through their relationship with Christ.
These readings intertwine the mission of spreading God's message with the assurance of divine support. Like Paul and Barnabas, we may encounter resistance, but Jesus's promise in John reminds us of the strength we derive from our faith. In our daily lives, we are called to persevere in sharing the Gospel, trusting in God's presence and the power of prayer. Let us embrace this mission with courage, knowing that through faith, we can overcome challenges and continue Christ's work.