Daily Readings - Sun May 21 2017
Second Reading - 1 Peter 3.15-18
1 Peter
15But sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts, being always ready to give an explanation to all who ask you the reason for that hope which is in you16But do so with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, so that, in whatever matter they may slander you, they shall be confounded, since they falsely accuse your good behavior in Christ17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is the will of God, than for doing evil18For Christ also died once for our sins, the Just One on behalf of the unjust, so that he might offer us to God, having died, certainly, in the flesh, but having been enlivened by the Spirit
Gospel - John 14.15-21
John
15If you love me, keep my commandments16And I will ask the Father, and he will give another Advocate to you, so that he may abide with you for eternity17the Spirit of Truth, whom the world is not able to accept, because it neither perceives him nor knows him. But you shall know him. For he will remain with you, and he will be in you18I will not leave you orphans. I will return to you19Yet a little while and the world will not see me any longer. But you will see me. For I live, and you shall live20In that day, you shall know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you21Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them: it is he who loves me. And whoever loves me shall be loved by my Father. And I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we reflect on the essence of our faith and the promise of divine presence in our lives. The first reading from 1 Peter encourages us to sanctify Christ in our hearts, always ready to share the hope that defines us. It reminds us that suffering for righteousness is better than for wrongdoing, as Christ’s sacrifice for our sins exemplifies. The Gospel from John 14, part of Jesus’ farewell discourse, emphasizes love through obedience to His commandments. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who will guide and comfort us, ensuring we are not alone. He assures us of eternal life and unity with the Father, seen through our love and obedience.
These readings connect through themes of hope, love, and divine presence. 1 Peter contextualizes the hope we have in Christ amidst trials, while John 14 provides comfort through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just belief but a way of life marked by love and obedience. The Holy Spirit’s presence is our strength, enabling us to live out our faith courageously.
In our daily lives, let us embrace this hope and love. May we be ready to share our faith with others and find comfort in the Holy Spirit’s presence, especially in challenging times. Let us strive to live in unity with God, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. Through this, we embody the hope and love that define our Christian identity, inspired by the promise of eternal life and the Spirit’s guidance.