Daily Readings - Thu Apr 23 2020
Acts
27Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.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."33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
John
31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.35The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and obedience. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 presents Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the threat of death, they affirm their commitment to obeying God over men, testifying to Jesus' resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This scene underscores the early Christian church's perseverance amidst persecution, highlighting the apostles' unwavering dedication to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine nature and His role as a witness to the Father. Jesus, coming from above, speaks of heavenly truths, offering eternal life to believers. John emphasizes that faith in Jesus is paramount, distinguishing those who accept God's truth from those who reject it. This passage invites us to consider the profound implications of believing in Jesus and the eternal consequences of such belief.
These readings intersect in their emphasis on obedience to God and the significance of testimony. Both narratives call us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, we may encounter challenges that test our commitment to our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in the face of opposition. As we navigate life's trials, let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Jesus, remembering that our faith is a testament to God's enduring love and truth. May we embrace the courage to live out our beliefs, trusting in God's providence and remaining faithful witnesses in a world that often resists the Gospel.