Daily Readings - Tue Apr 18 2023
Acts
32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
John
7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man.14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
Sermon
The readings today offer us a powerful reflection on unity, generosity, and the transformative power of faith. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community living in remarkable harmony and generosity. The believers shared everything they had, ensuring that no one was in need. This was not just a practical arrangement but a spiritual one, rooted in their deep trust in God and their commitment to living as followers of Christ. The text highlights Joseph, known as Barnabas, who sold his land and placed the proceeds at the feet of the Apostles, embodying the selfless love and unity of the community.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born anew" by the Spirit. Jesus explains that just as the Spirit moves freely, so too must our lives be open to the Spirit's work within us. He uses the image of the bronze serpent lifted up in the desert—a foreshadowing of his own crucifixion—to illustrate how belief in him leads to eternal life. This passage reminds us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a radical trust in God's plan, even when it surpasses our understanding.
These readings are deeply connected. The unity and generosity of the early Christian community in Acts are the fruit of the Spirit at work in their lives, the same Spirit Jesus speaks of in the Gospel. To be "born anew" means living in such a way that our lives reflect God's love and generosity. Today, we are called to trust in God's plan, to be open to the Spirit's movement, and to live with the same selfless love and unity that defined the early Church. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to let go of our attachments and trust in God's providence? Are we living in a way that reflects the transformative power of the Spirit? May we strive to be communities of love, generosity, and faith, bearing witness to the eternal life offered through Christ.