Daily Readings - Thu Apr 28 2022
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 guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the council, refusing to cease their preaching despite the threats they face. Their unwavering commitment to obeying God's will over human authority highlights the early church's resilience amidst persecution. The second reading, John 3:31-36, presents Jesus' discourse on His divine origin and the imperative of belief in Him for eternal life, underscoring the profound truth of His mission as the Son of God.
Both readings converge on the themes of obedience to God and the transformative power of faith. The Apostles' defiance in the face of adversity mirrors Jesus' own unwavering dedication to His Father's will. This connection reminds us that our faith must be rooted in a deep trust in God, even when faced with challenges. The readings encourage us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith authentically, just as the Apostles did, and to embrace the eternal life offered through belief in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to stand firm in our faith, even when societal pressures or personal struggles arise. They remind us that true obedience to God's will can lead us through any trial, offering us the strength to persevere. Let us draw inspiration from the Apostles' courage and Jesus' teachings, trusting in God's plan and striving to live as witnesses of His love. May our faith be a beacon of hope, guiding us toward eternal life in Christ.