Daily Readings - Sat May 14 2022

¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)¹⁶and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus--¹⁷he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."²⁰"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'²¹Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²²beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."²³So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.²⁴Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen²⁵to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs."²⁶Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

John

Chapter 15

⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command.¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

Sermon

In today's readings, we reflect on the essence of community, love, and divine guidance. The first reading from Acts recounts the disciples' decision to replace Judas, emphasizing their reliance on prayer and trust in God's will. This moment highlights the importance of unity and the need to maintain the integrity of their group as they await the Holy Spirit. The selection of Matthias through prayer and casting lots underscores the early Church's commitment to communal decision-making and faith in divine guidance. The Gospel from John deepens this reflection as Jesus shares His final teachings, focusing on love and friendship. He calls His disciples friends, not servants, and commands them to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not passive but active, a selfless commitment that mirrors Jesus' own sacrifice. The readings together remind us that our faith is not solitary but lived within a community bound by love and mutual support. In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to embody love and unity. Just as the early disciples came together in faith, we too should seek God's guidance in our decisions and nurture our communities with love. Let us strive to be friends of Jesus, living out His commandments and spreading His love. May we bear fruit that lasts, inspiring others through our actions and fostering a world united in love and faith.