Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 15, 2021
First Reading: Acts 5.27-33
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.
Psalm 34
1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.9Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;16the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.19A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;20he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Gospel: John 3.31-36
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 powerful messages about faith, obedience, and the divine truth. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the council's anger and threats, they remain steadfast, declaring their allegiance to God over men. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading Jesus' message, even in the face of persecution.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to Jesus' divine origin and the imperative of belief. Jesus, coming from heaven, speaks God's words, offering testimony of divine truth. The passage emphasizes that belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, while unbelief results in remaining under God's wrath. This underscores the significance of trusting in Jesus as the source of eternal life and the embodiment of God's truth.
Both readings converge on the themes of testimony and obedience to God. The apostles in Acts testify to Jesus' resurrection and salvation, obeying God despite earthly threats. In John, Jesus is the divine testimony, and believing in him is paramount. This connection reminds us that our faith must be our guiding principle, influencing our actions and decisions, even when faced with challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain faithful and courageous. We may encounter situations where we must choose between conforming to worldly norms or standing up for our beliefs. Like the apostles, we are called to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast, even when it is difficult. Our commitment to Jesus should guide our actions, trusting that He will navigate us through life's trials.
The moral lesson is clear: Jesus is the ultimate truth, and our commitment to Him should be unwavering. We must obey God's will, even when it leads us through challenging circumstances, trusting in His guidance and plan. Let us embrace this truth, allowing it to transform our lives and strengthen our resolve to follow Him faithfully.