Daily Readings - Thu Apr 13 2023
Acts
11While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade.12When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.17"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer.19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,20and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus.21He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.22For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.23Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'24"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.25And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
Luke
35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"42They gave him a piece of broiled fish,43and he took it and ate it in their presence.44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48You are witnesses of these things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound moments of revelation and commission. In Acts, Peter addresses a crowd after healing a lame man, attributing the miracle not to himself or John, but to the power of faith in Jesus Christ. He calls the people to repentance, acknowledging their ignorance in crucifying Jesus, whose suffering was foretold by prophets. Peter emphasizes the universal promise of blessings through Abraham's offspring. In Luke, Jesus appears to his disciples, dispelling their fear by showing his physical form and eating with them. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, which foretold his suffering and resurrection. Commissioning them as witnesses, Jesus charges them to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations.
Both readings highlight the apostles as witnesses to the resurrection, with Peter addressing a Jewish audience familiar with prophets, and Jesus preparing his disciples for a global mission. The connection lies in their role as witnesses and the fulfillment of Scripture, underscoring the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection. This unity in purpose bridges the healings and teachings, emphasizing the call to repentance and spreading God's message.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to recognize God's work, not our own, and remain open to His plan. The moral lesson is clear: embrace faith and repentance, and be witnesses of Christ's love. Just as the apostles were transformed from fear to boldness, we too can live as witnesses, sharing the hope of redemption. Let us carry this message with compassion and courage, inspiring others to seek forgiveness and new life in Christ.