Daily Readings - Tue May 13 2025
Acts
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
John
22Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.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 first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community’s expansion beyond Jerusalem, as believers, scattered by persecution, carried the Gospel to new regions, including Antioch. There, Barnabas, a man of faith and grace, was sent by the Jerusalem Church to support this growing community. He later sought out Saul, who would become Paul, the great missionary. This passage highlights the Church’s rapid growth and the unity of believers across diverse backgrounds. The Gospel from John presents Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication, where he is questioned by the Jews about his identity. Jesus responds by affirming his unity with the Father and explaining that his sheep hear his voice and follow him, receiving eternal life. This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority and the intimate relationship he shares with those who belong to him.
These readings are deeply connected. In Acts, we see the early Church living out the mission of spreading the Gospel, which Jesus had entrusted to his followers. The unity and faith of the early Christians reflect the unity Jesus speaks of in John’s Gospel between himself and the Father. Just as Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and follow him, the early Church listened to the Holy Spirit and trusted in God’s plan, even as they faced challenges. Both readings remind us that being part of God’s family requires faith, trust, and a willingness to follow his will, even when the path is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own faith journey. Are we listening to Jesus’ voice and following him with a resolute heart, as Barnabas and the early Christians did? Do we trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear? Like the early Church, we are called to share the Gospel with others, not just in words but through our actions and the way we live. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a Christian, not just in name but in deed? Am I united with Christ and with my brothers and sisters in faith? May we, like Barnabas, be filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, and may we, like Jesus’ sheep, hear his voice and follow him faithfully.