Daily Readings - Sun May 08 2022

¹⁴From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.⁴³When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.⁴⁴On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.⁴⁵When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.⁴⁶Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.⁴⁷For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"⁴⁸When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.⁴⁹The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.⁵⁰But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.⁵¹So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Revelation

Chapter 7

⁹After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.¹⁴I answered, "Sir, you know."¹⁵And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.¹⁶Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.¹⁷For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

John

Chapter 10

²⁷My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.²⁸I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.²⁹My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.³⁰I and the Father are one."

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the universal call to salvation and the unity of God's people. In the First Reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas facing rejection by the Jews in Antioch, only to turn their attention to the Gentiles, who receive the Word of God with joy. This moment marks a significant shift in the early Christian Church, as the Gospel begins to spread beyond its Jewish roots. The Second Reading from Revelation offers a breathtaking vision of the end times, where people from every nation, tribe, and language stand before the throne of God, united in their worship and redemption through the blood of the Lamb. The Gospel from John complements these themes, as Jesus speaks of His sheep hearing His voice and receiving eternal life, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His flock. These readings are deeply interconnected. The missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas in Acts foreshadows the universal vision of Revelation, where all people are gathered before God's throne. Jesus' promise of eternal life in John's Gospel underscores the ultimate purpose of this universal salvation. Together, they remind us that God's plan is not limited to a particular group but extends to all creation. The rejection by the Jews in Acts serves as a turning point, highlighting that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or identity. In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace the diversity of God's people and to trust in His providence. Just as Paul and Barnabas persevered despite persecution, we too are called to remain faithful, even in the face of challenges. The vision in Revelation encourages us to live with hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to be united with all the saints in worship before God's throne. Jesus' promise of eternal life reminds us to listen to His voice and to follow Him with confidence. Let us strive to be instruments of unity and inclusion, reflecting the universal love of God in our words and actions.