Daily Readings - Tue May 02 2023
Acts
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
John
22Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.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
In today's readings, we witness the early Christian church expanding its reach beyond Jerusalem, as described in Acts, and Jesus affirming his divine role in John's Gospel. The Acts passage highlights the spread of Christianity to Antioch, where disciples are first called Christians, emphasizing unity and growth. Meanwhile, John's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, offering eternal life to those who follow him, underscoring the assurance of salvation for believers.
Both readings share themes of inclusion and divine assurance. Acts illustrates the church's missionary efforts, showing how the Gospel reached Gentiles, while John's passage focuses on Jesus' identity and the security of his followers. This connection reminds us that faith is universal, transcending boundaries, and that trusting in God's plan brings eternal security.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace the universal call to faith, to trust in God's protection, and to actively share the Gospel. The moral lesson is clear: unity in diversity and trust in God's plan lead us to eternal life, as we follow the Good Shepherd's voice.