Daily Readings - Sun Apr 30 2023
Acts
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
1 Peter
20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
John
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, discipleship, and the abundant life offered by Christ. The first reading from Acts describes the dramatic moment when Peter preaches to the crowd after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His words cut to the heart of the people, leading three thousand to repentance and baptism. This passage reminds us of the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of responding with faith and humility.
The second reading from 1 Peter connects suffering with discipleship. Peter reminds us that following Christ means enduring trials patiently, just as Jesus did. Christ, the sinless one, bore our sins on the cross, demonstrating the path of selfless love and forgiveness. This passage challenges us to embrace our struggles as opportunities to grow in holiness and to trust in God’s plan, even when the road is difficult.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the door of the sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the only true way to salvation and abundant life. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us by name and leads us to green pastures. This image invites us to reflect on our relationship with Christ: are we listening to His voice? Are we following Him through the narrow gate of faith, even when it means letting go of worldly distractions?
Today’s readings call us to live as disciples of Christ, trusting in His guidance, enduring trials with patience, and embracing the abundant life He offers. Let us ask ourselves: Am I truly following Christ, the Good Shepherd? Am I listening to His voice and living according to His teachings? May we, like the first Christians, respond to the Gospel with faith, repentance, and a commitment to live as children of God.