Daily Readings - Mon May 08 2017
First Reading - Acts 11.1-18
Acts
1Now the Apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God2Then, when Peter had gone up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued against him3saying, "Why did you enter to uncircumcised men, and why did you eat with them?4And Peter began to explain to them, in an orderly manner, saying5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I saw, in an ecstasy of mind, a vision: a certain container descending, like a great linen sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. And it drew near to me6And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air7Then I also heard a voice saying to me: ‘Rise up, Peter. Kill and eat.8But I said: ‘Never, lord! For what is common or unclean has never entered into my mouth.9Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.10Now this was done three times. And then everything was taken up again into heaven11And behold, immediately there were three men standing near the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea12Then the Spirit told me that I should go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me also. And we entered into the house of the man13And he described for us how he had seen an Angel in his house, standing and saying to him: ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter14And he shall speak to you words, by which you shall be saved with your whole house.15And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as upon us also, in the beginning16Then I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.17Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?18Having heard these things, they were silent. And they glorified God, saying: "So has God also given to the Gentiles repentance unto life.
Gospel - John 10.11-18
John
11I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep12But the hired hand, and whoever is not a shepherd, to whom the sheep do not belong, he sees the wolf approaching, and he departs from the sheep and flees. And the wolf ravages and scatters the sheep13And the hired hand flees, because he is a hired hand and there is no concern for the sheep within him14I am the good Shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me15just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for my sheep16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold, and I must lead them. They shall hear my voice, and there shall be one sheepfold and one shepherd17For this reason, the Father loves me: because I lay down my life, so that I may take it up again18No one takes it away from me. Instead, I lay it down of my own accord. And I have the power to lay it down. And I have the power to take it up again. This is the commandment that I have received from my Father.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s universal love and the call to unity among all people. In the first reading from Acts, Peter shares his vision and experience of preaching to the Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s mercy extends to all, regardless of background or identity. This was a radical message for the early Church, as it challenged the deeply rooted traditions of separation between Jews and Gentiles. Peter’s courage to embrace this new understanding, guided by the Holy Spirit, shows us that God’s plan is always one of inclusion and love. In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. He speaks of other sheep “not of this fold,” indicating that His mission is not limited to one group but extends to all humanity. Jesus’ willingness to give His life for His sheep reflects the depth of His love and commitment to unity.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both highlight the universal nature of God’s love and the call to transcend boundaries. Peter’s vision in Acts mirrors Jesus’ teaching in John, as both emphasize that God’s grace is not confined to a select few but is available to all. The early Church’s initial resistance to including Gentiles reminds us that embracing God’s universal plan often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and let go of prejudices or narrow-mindedness. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, models this inclusivity by caring for all His sheep, even those who feel lost or marginalized.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we might be excluding others or limiting God’s grace in our own hearts. Are there people we consider “outside the fold” whom God is calling us to embrace? Let us ask ourselves if we are living as true disciples of Christ, who laid down His life for all. May we, like Peter, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and courageously share God’s love with everyone we meet. As we strive to follow the Good Shepherd, let us remember that unity and inclusion are at the heart of God’s plan for humanity.