Daily Readings - Sun May 04 2025
Acts
28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Revelation
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
John
1Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way:2Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.3"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?No," they answered.6He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.9When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."11Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faithfulness, worship, and service, each offering profound insights into our walk with God.
The first reading from Acts 5:28-32, 40b-41, portrays the apostles facing persecution yet rejoicing in their suffering for Christ's name. This highlights the resilience of faith amidst adversity, reminding us that standing firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, is a testament to our commitment to God.
Revelation 5:11-14 shifts our gaze to a celestial scene where all creation worships the Lamb, Jesus, who was slain. This emphasizes the universal recognition of Jesus' sacrifice, inviting us to join in this eternal chorus of praise, acknowledging His worthiness in every aspect of our lives.
In John 21:1-19, Jesus appears to the disciples post-resurrection, restoring Peter through a humble act of service and commissioning him to care for His flock. This narrative underscores the transformative power of grace and the call to serve others, mirroring our own journeys of being called, restored, and sent forth.
These readings collectively remind us to stand firm in faith despite challenges, to worship with all creation, and to embrace our role in serving others. May we, like Peter, accept God's grace and fulfill our mission to tend His flock with love and dedication.