Daily Readings - Sun May 11 2025

¹⁴From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.⁴³When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.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.

Revelation

Chapter 7

⁹After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.¹⁴I answered, "Sir, you know."¹⁵And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.¹⁶Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.¹⁷For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

John

Chapter 10

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

The readings today remind us of the universal call to salvation and the unity that exists among all who follow Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching to both Jews and Gentiles, facing rejection from some but finding eager listeners among others. This reflects the early Church's struggle to understand that God's message was not limited to one people but was meant for all. The Gentiles, upon hearing the Word, rejoiced and glorified God, showing that the Good News transcends boundaries and cultures. In Revelation, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this vision—a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God, united in worship and clothed in white robes, symbolizing their purification through the blood of the Lamb. This vision gives us hope for the ultimate unity and peace that God promises. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of his sheep hearing his voice and following him, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock. He promises eternal life and security, saying that no one can take his sheep out of his hand. This reassurance is tied to the unity of Jesus and the Father, highlighting that our ultimate security and salvation come from being in God's hands. Together, these readings remind us that God's plan is not confined to a select few but is open to all people, and that our unity as believers is rooted in our shared relationship with Christ. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might embrace the diversity of God's people and work toward unity in our own lives. Just as Paul and Barnabas persevered despite rejection, we too can remain faithful in sharing the Good News, even when it is challenging. Let us also remember that our ultimate hope is in the eternal life promised by Christ, where every tear will be wiped away, and we will dwell in the presence of God forever. May we strive to be part of that great multitude, worshiping God together in harmony, and may we trust in the Shepherd who guides and protects us on our journey.