Daily Readings - Mon Apr 22 2024
Acts
1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened:5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
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 two profound lessons about God’s universal love and the true nature of leadership. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter’s vision and his defense before the Jerusalem community, highlighting the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian Church. This passage shows the Holy Spirit’s work in breaking down barriers, teaching us that the Gospel is for all people. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His role as the true leader who provides abundant life, contrasting with false shepherds who seek to harm.
The context of Acts 11 is pivotal, as it addresses the early church’s struggle with inclusivity. Peter’s vision and experience with Cornelius’ household led to the understanding that God’s message is not confined to the Jewish people. This was a radical shift, challenging the existing norms and opening the church to a broader community. In John 10, Jesus uses the shepherd metaphor to illustrate His authority and care, distinguishing Himself from false leaders who do not have the flock’s best interests at heart.
Both readings relate through themes of inclusion and true leadership. Acts shows the church expanding beyond its initial boundaries, while John emphasizes Jesus as the true leader who provides salvation. Together, they highlight God’s universal plan and Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, guiding us to abundant life.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace diversity and recognize Jesus as our guide. We should be open to others, just as the early church was, and trust in Jesus’ leadership. The moral lesson here is one of unity and inclusion, reminding us that God’s love knows no bounds. As we navigate our lives, let us follow the Good Shepherd, trusting in His care and living out the universal message of love and salvation.