Daily Readings - Sun May 26 2019
Acts
1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul--26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
Revelation
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.11It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.12It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.13There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.14The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
John
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.25"All this I have spoken while still with you.26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.28"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
Sermon
Today’s readings guide us through a journey of faith, unity, and hope, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role within the community of believers. The first reading from Acts recounts the Council of Jerusalem, where early Church leaders resolved a significant issue—whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved. This decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, was pivotal, as it unified the Church and allowed Christianity to flourish beyond its Jewish roots. It underscores that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not through rituals or works.
The second reading from Revelation presents a vision of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city where God dwells among His people. This city, with no need for a temple or external light, symbolizes the ultimate hope for believers—a place of eternal communion with God, free from suffering and sin. This vision inspires us to persevere, knowing our struggles are temporary and our future is secure in God’s presence.
In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes love and obedience, teaching that keeping His commandments is a sign of love. He promises the Holy Spirit, who will guide and remind us of His teachings, offering a peace that transcends worldly troubles. This peace is a gift that sustains us as we navigate life’s challenges.
These readings interconnect by highlighting the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church and each believer. The decision in Acts, the hope of Revelation, and Jesus’ promise in the Gospel all point to a life of faith and trust in God’s plan. They remind us to strive for unity, trust in the Holy Spirit, and live faithfully, keeping Jesus’ teachings in our hearts. Let us embrace this hope and unity, living with the peace that only Jesus can give, and trusting in the eternal life He promises.