Daily Readings - Sat May 25 2019
Acts
1Then he arrived at Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, his father a Gentile2The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium rendered good testimony to him3Paul wanted this man to travel with him, and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile4And as they were traveling through the cities, they delivered to them the dogmas to be kept, which were decreed by the Apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem5And certainly, the Churches were being strengthened in faith and were increasing in number every day6Then, while crossing through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the Word in Asia7But when they had arrived in Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them8Then, when they had crossed through Mysia, they descended to Troas9And a vision in the night was revealed to Paul of a certain man of Macedonia, standing and pleading with him, and saying: "Cross into Macedonia and help us!10Then, after he saw the vision, immediately we sought to set out for Macedonia, having been assured that God had called us to evangelize to them
John
18If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you19If you had been of the world, the world would love what is its own. Yet truly, you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world; because of this, the world hates you20Remember my saying that I told you: The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also21But all these things they will do to you because of my name, for they do not know him who sent me
Sermon
The first reading from Acts describes Paul's journey with Timothy and the early Christian community's efforts to spread the Gospel. Paul, recognizing Timothy's potential as a disciple, circumcises him to ease his acceptance among the Jewish communities they will visit. As they travel, they strengthen the Churches and face the Holy Spirit's guidance, redirecting their mission to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the Spirit's active role in shaping their mission.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' words to His disciples, warning them of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that because they are chosen and belong to Him, the world will persecute them, just as it persecuted Him. He reminds them that the servant is not greater than the master and that their fidelity to His word will be tested. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of steadfast faith in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ involves both mission and sacrifice. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to share the Gospel courageously, even when faced with obstacles. Jesus' words in John invite us to embrace our identity as His disciples, knowing that persecution or opposition may arise. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's guidance, remain faithful in challenging situations, and persevere in living out our faith. May we, like the early Christians, allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and may we endure any trials with the assurance that we belong to Christ.