Daily Readings - Tue Apr 09 2024
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 the nature of community, generosity, and the transformative power of God’s love. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community living in remarkable unity and generosity. They shared all their possessions, ensuring that no one was in need, and they placed their trust in the apostles to distribute resources according to the needs of each member. This passage paints a vivid picture of a community transformed by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, living not just as individuals but as a family united in faith and love.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the mystery of being “born anew” by the Spirit. Jesus explains that just as the wind blows where it wills, so too does the Spirit work in ways that are beyond human understanding. This exchange highlights the profound truth that spiritual rebirth is not something we can control or fully comprehend; it is a gift from God. Jesus then connects this mystery to the ultimate expression of God’s love: the Son of Man being “lifted up” for the salvation of the world, just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert to heal the people.
These readings remind us that our faith is not just about individual belief but about living in communion with others. The early Christians in Acts showed us that when we surrender our lives and resources to God’s will, we become instruments of his grace and love. Similarly, Jesus’ words to Nicodemus call us to trust in the mysterious work of the Spirit and to embrace the transformative power of God’s love. Let us strive to live with the same generosity and unity as the early Christians, and let us open our hearts to the Spirit’s movement in our lives. May we, like the Son of Man, be lifted up in love and service to others, that all may have eternal life.