Daily Readings - Thu May 17 2018
Acts
30But on the next day, wanting to discover more diligently what the reason was that he was accused by the Jews, he released him, and he ordered the priests to convene, with the entire council. And, producing Paul, he stationed him among them
6Now Paul, knowing that one group were Sadducees and the other were Pharisees, exclaimed in the council: "Noble brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees! It is over the hope and resurrection of the dead that I am being judged.7And when he had said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude was divided8For the Sadducees claim that there is no resurrection, and neither angels, nor spirits. But the Pharisees confess both of these9Then there occurred a great clamor. And some of the Pharisees, rising up, were fighting, saying: "We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel?10And since a great dissension had been made, the tribune, fearing that Paul might be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to descend and to seize him from their midst, and to bring him into the fortress11Then, on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said: "Be constant. For just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so also it is necessary for you to testify at Rome.
John
20But I am not praying for them only, but also for those who through their word shall believe in me21So may they all be one. Just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you, so also may they be one in us: so that the world may believe that you have sent me22And the glory that you have given to me, I have given to them, so that they may be one, just as we also are one23I am in them, and you are in me. So may they be perfected as one. And may the world know that you have sent me and that you have loved them, just as you have also loved me24Father, I will that where I am, those whom you have given to me may also be with me, so that they may see my glory which you have given to me. For you loved me before the founding of the world25Father most just, the world has not known you. But I have known you. And these have known that you sent me26And I have made known your name to them, and I will make it known, so that the love in which you have loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, faith, and divine presence amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, where he skillfully navigates the theological divide between Pharisees and Sadducees by affirming his belief in the resurrection. This act of faith sparks a heated debate, leading to Paul’s rescue by the Roman tribune. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reinforcing his mission to testify in Rome. This passage highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. Jesus petitions the Father that His disciples may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity, Jesus explains, is not merely for the sake of His immediate followers but for all who will come to believe through their testimony. Jesus’ prayer also expresses His desire that His disciples may share in the glory He has received from the Father and that they may experience the fullness of God’s love. This passage underscores the profound importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the boundless love that God has for us.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and relationships. Just as Paul faced division and hostility, we too may encounter challenges that test our faith and our resolve. Yet, like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and guidance. Similarly, Jesus’ prayer for unity challenges us to examine how we relate to one another. Are we instruments of unity and reconciliation, or do we contribute to division? Let us strive to be one in heart and mind, just as the Father and the Son are one. May we also deepen our awareness of God’s love for us, a love that transcends all boundaries and sustains us through every trial. In doing so, we not only bear witness to the power of faith but also become living reflections of the unity and love that Jesus prayed for on our behalf.