Daily Readings - Sun May 03 2020
Acts
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
1 Peter
20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, redemption, and the true nature of our relationship with God. The first reading from Acts describes the pivotal moment after Pentecost, where Peter's impassioned speech leads thousands to baptism, illustrating the transformative power of faith and the early church's rapid growth. The second reading from 1 Peter emphasizes enduring suffering with patience, using Christ's example of sinless endurance, reminding us that our sins are borne by Him for us to live justly. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the door to the sheepfold, offering salvation and abundant life, contrasting with those who would harm, reinforcing Jesus as our true Shepherd.
These readings are deeply connected, each highlighting Jesus as the source of salvation and guidance. Acts shows the communal response to faith, 1 Peter focuses on individual endurance inspired by Christ's example, and John's Gospel symbolizes Jesus as the sole entry to eternal life. Together, they call us to recognize Jesus as our Shepherd, guiding us through life's trials.
In daily life, this means trusting Jesus as our guide, especially in challenging times. The moral lesson is clear: by following Jesus, we find abundant life and the strength to endure patiently, trusting in His divine plan. Let us embrace this truth, allowing His guidance to lead us to a life of purpose and peace.