Daily Readings - Sat Apr 27 2024
Acts
44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
John
7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the universal nature of God’s love and the call to share that love with the world. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas facing rejection from the Jews, who envy the crowds gathering to hear the Word of God. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas remain steadfast in their mission, turning to the Gentiles and proclaiming that salvation is meant for all people. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Church, as the Gospel begins to spread beyond the Jewish community. The Gentiles, in turn, receive the message with joy, showing that God’s plan is not limited to one group but is intended for the ends of the earth.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Philip about the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. Philip asks Jesus to reveal the Father, but Jesus responds by emphasizing that seeing him is seeing the Father. This exchange underscores the unity of God’s nature and the way Jesus embodies the Father’s love. Jesus then extends this unity to his disciples, promising that those who believe in him will do even greater works. This is a call to trust in God’s presence within us and to act with faith, knowing that we are part of a larger plan to bring God’s love to the world.
These readings remind us that God’s love is not confined to specific groups or boundaries. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to share this love with courage and perseverance, even in the face of rejection. And like Philip, we are invited to deepen our understanding of God’s nature, recognizing that Jesus reveals the Father to us. In our daily lives, this means embracing diversity, being open to those who may seem different from us, and trusting that God is at work in all things. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s universal love, bringing light and hope to a world in need.