Daily Readings - Mon May 04 2020
Acts
1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened:5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
John
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again.18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s universal love and the call to embrace diversity in our lives. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision from God, which compels him to recognize that the Gentiles, too, are called to receive the Word of God. This vision challenges Peter’s initial hesitation and the prejudices of the early Christian community, teaching them that God’s plan of salvation is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations. The Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles confirms that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of background or identity. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as it begins to understand its mission to the wider world.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He emphasizes that His flock includes not only those who currently follow Him but also others who will hear His voice. Jesus’ love is not exclusive; it is expansive, reaching beyond boundaries to unite all people under His care. The Good Shepherd’s willingness to sacrifice His life underscores the depth of His commitment to His sheep, and His mission to gather all into one flock reflects God’s desire for unity and inclusion.
These readings remind us that our faith is not meant to be confined to a specific group or community. Like Peter, we are called to overcome our biases and prejudices, recognizing that God’s love knows no bounds. As followers of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to embrace diversity and to welcome others into our lives and communities. Let us reflect on how we might be excluding others, either intentionally or unintentionally, and ask for the grace to imitate Jesus’ selfless love and universal embrace. May we, like the early Church, allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in living out the inclusive and transformative message of the Gospel.