Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2017

First Reading - Acts 13.44-52

⁴⁴Yet truly, on the following Sabbath, nearly the entire city came together to hear the Word of God⁴⁵Then the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and they, blaspheming, contradicted the things that were being said by Paul⁴⁶Then Paul and Barnabas said firmly: "It was necessary to speak the Word of God first to you. But because you reject it, and so judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles⁴⁷For so has the Lord instructed us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ⁴⁸Then the Gentiles, upon hearing this, were gladdened, and they were glorifying the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed were preordained to eternal life⁴⁹Now the word of the Lord was disseminated throughout the entire region⁵⁰But the Jews incited some devout and honest women, and the leaders of the city. And they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And they drove them away from their parts⁵¹But they, shaking the dust from their feet against them, went on to Iconium⁵²The disciples were likewise filled with gladness and with the Holy Spirit

Gospel - John 14.7-14

John

Chapter 14

⁷If you had known me, certainly you would also have known my Father. And from now on, you shall know him, and you have seen him.⁸Philip said to him, "Lord, reveal the Father to us, and it is enough for us.⁹Jesus said to him: "Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me? Philip, whoever sees me, also sees the Father. How can you say, ‘Reveal the Father to us?¹⁰Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I am speaking to you, I do not speak from myself. But the Father abiding in me, he does these works¹¹Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me¹²Or else, believe because of these same works. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me shall also do the works that I do. And greater things than these shall he do, for I go to the Father¹³And whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son¹⁴If you shall ask anything of me in my name, that I will do

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as disciples. The first reading from Acts describes Paul and Barnabas's courageous proclamation of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Despite facing envy and rejection from some, they remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan to spread His Word to all nations. The Gentiles, in particular, receive the message with joy, demonstrating the universal reach of God's salvation. Meanwhile, in the Gospel of John, Jesus deepens the disciples' understanding of His unity with the Father. He emphasizes that to know Him is to know the Father and that His works are a manifestation of the Father's presence within Him. Jesus also promises that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, as He will intercede for them with the Father. These readings are deeply connected by the theme of mission and the revelation of God's divine plan. In Acts, we see the early Church expanding its reach beyond the Jewish community, fulfilling Jesus' command to bring the Gospel to all people. In John's Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the mission they will undertake after His departure, assuring them of the Father's continued presence and power through the Holy Spirit. Together, these passages remind us that we, too, are called to be bearers of God's light in the world. Just as Paul and Barnabas faced challenges but remained faithful, we are invited to embrace our role as missionaries in our own contexts, trusting in God's grace to guide and empower us. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out our faith with courage and joy. Like the Gentiles who glorified God upon hearing the Word, may our hearts be open to receiving and sharing the Good News. Like Philip, who sought a deeper understanding of the Father, may we yearn for a closer relationship with God. And like Paul and Barnabas, may we remain steadfast in the face of adversity, knowing that our efforts to spread God's love are part of a larger divine plan. Let us also remember Jesus' promise that we can do greater works in His name, not through our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we, therefore, live each day with a renewed commitment to sharing God's love and trusting in His providence.