Daily Readings - Sat Jun 01 2019
Acts
23And having spent some length of time there, he set out, and he walked in order through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples24Now a certain Jew named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man who was powerful with the Scriptures, arrived at Ephesus25He was learned in the Way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching the things that are of Jesus, but knowing only the baptism of John26And so, he began to act faithfully in the synagogue. And when Priscilla and Aquila had heard him, they took him aside and expounded the Way of the Lord to him more thoroughly27Then, since he wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers wrote an exhortation to the disciples, so that they might accept him. And when he had arrived, he held many discussions with those who had believed28For he was vehemently and publicly reproving the Jews, by revealing through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ
John
23And, in that day, you will not petition me for anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in my name, he will give it to you24Until now, you have not requested anything in my name. Ask, and you shall receive, so that your joy may be full25I have spoken these things to you in proverbs. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs; instead, I will announce to you plainly from the Father26In that day, you shall ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father for you27For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and because you have believed that I went forth from God28I went forth from the Father, and I have come into the world. Next I am leaving the world, and I am going to the Father.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul’s missionary journey through Galatia and Phrygia, where he strengthens the disciples. It also introduces Apollos, a learned and zealous preacher who knows only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila take him aside and explain the Way of the Lord more thoroughly, after which Apollos becomes a powerful advocate for the faith, publicly proving that Jesus is the Christ. This passage highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the ongoing process of deepening one’s understanding of the faith.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus speaking to his disciples about the power of prayer in his name. He promises that the Father will grant their requests, and their joy will be complete. Jesus also hints at the transition that is about to occur—his departure from the world and return to the Father. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and the disciples’ new relationship with the Father through Jesus. It invites us to trust in the power of prayer and to live in the joy and love that come from knowing we are beloved by God.
Both readings remind us that our faith is not static; it requires growth, guidance, and trust in God’s providence. Just as Apollos needed Priscilla and Aquila to deepen his understanding, we all need mentors and community to help us grow in faith. Similarly, just as Jesus teaches us to pray in his name, we are called to trust in the Father’s love and provision. Let us ask for what we need with confidence, knowing that our joy will be complete when we live in harmony with God’s will. May we, like Apollos, be zealous in sharing the Good News, and may we, like the disciples, find strength in prayer and in the knowledge of God’s love.