Daily Readings - Fri Apr 29 2022
Acts
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
John
1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.4The Jewish Passover Feast was near.5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up,9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.14After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."15Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, discernment, and God's providence. The first reading from Acts 5:34-42 presents Gamaliel, a wise Pharisee, advising the council to exercise caution regarding the apostles. He suggests that if their work is of God, it will endure, whereas human efforts will fade. This counsel emphasizes the importance of discernment and trust in divine plans.
The Gospel from John 6:1-15 recounts the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, where Jesus transforms five loaves and two fish into an abundant meal. This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also the people's growing belief in him as the Prophet. However, Jesus withdraws to avoid being made king, showing his commitment to his divine mission over earthly power.
These readings connect through their themes of faith and divine work. Gamaliel's advice in Acts encourages us to discern God's will, while John's miracle illustrates the fulfillment of that will through Jesus. Together, they remind us to trust in God's providence and remain open to His plans, even in uncertain times.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to approach challenges with faith and discernment. Like the apostles, we may face adversity, but our trust in God's plan should sustain us. Similarly, just as Jesus provided for the multitude, we can have faith that God will provide for our needs. The moral lesson here is the importance of trusting in God's timing and plans, allowing His work to unfold in our lives.