Daily Readings - Mon May 12 2025
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 inclusion and salvation. The first reading from Acts 11:1-18 recounts Peter's vision, which led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian Church. This vision was a turning point, as it showed that God's plan was not limited to the Jewish people but extended to all nations. The Gentiles, upon receiving the Holy Spirit, were welcomed as equals, marking a significant step in the Church's universal mission.
The Gospel from John 10:1-10 presents Jesus as the door to the sheepfold, symbolizing His role as the true shepherd. Jesus emphasizes that He is the sole means to salvation, and those who follow Him will find abundant life. This metaphor distinguishes Jesus from false shepherds, highlighting His authority and care for His flock.
These readings intertwine by highlighting the universal nature of salvation. In Acts, the inclusion of Gentiles illustrates that God's grace is for everyone, regardless of background. In John, Jesus underscores that He is the door through which all must enter to be saved. Together, they teach us to embrace diversity and recognize that salvation is accessible to all through faith in Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to be open-minded and inclusive, reflecting God's love for all people. They remind us that our faith should unite us, transcending superficial differences. The moral lesson here is one of unity and trust in God's plan, which encompasses everyone. Let us strive to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd, and welcome all into His fold, living abundantly as He promised.