Daily Readings - Sat May 17 2025
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the spread of God's message. The First Reading from Acts 13:44-52 describes Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, where they face rejection from the Jews but find eager acceptance among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the early Church's expansion beyond its initial boundaries, emphasizing God's plan to include all people. The Gentiles' joy and the disciples' empowerment by the Holy Spirit underscore the universal nature of the Gospel message.
The Gospel from John 14:7-14 shifts focus to Jesus's conversation with Philip, where He reveals His unity with the Father. Jesus emphasizes that seeing Him is seeing the Father, and He promises that believers will perform even greater works through faith. This passage invites us to deepen our relationship with God, trusting in His presence and power within us.
These readings connect through the theme of inclusion and empowerment. In Acts, the inclusion of Gentiles mirrors the spiritual inclusion offered through faith in John. Both passages encourage us to trust in God's plan and recognize His presence in our lives, just as Philip sought to see the Father.
In our daily lives, this means embracing opportunities to share God's love and remaining steadfast despite challenges. We are empowered to do greater things through faith, just as the early disciples were. The moral lesson here is the importance of perseverance, unity with God, and trusting in His power to guide and transform us.