Daily Readings - Tue May 12 2020

¹⁹Now certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived there. And having persuaded the crowd, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside of the city, thinking him to be dead²⁰But as the disciples were standing around him, he got up and entered the city. And the next day, he set out with Barnabas for Derbe²¹And when they had evangelized that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch²²strengthening the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them that they should remain always in the faith, and that it is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations²³And when they had established priests for them in each church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed²⁴And traveling by way of Pisidia, they arrived in Pamphylia²⁵And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perga, they went down into Attalia²⁶And from there, they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had now accomplished²⁷And when they had arrived and had gathered together the church, they related what great things God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles²⁸And they remained for no small amount of time with the disciples

John

Chapter 14

²⁷Peace I leave for you; my Peace I give to you. Not in the way that the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let it not fear²⁸You have heard that I said to you: I am going away, and I am returning to you. If you loved me, certainly you would be gladdened, because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I²⁹And now I have told you this, before it happens, so that, when it will happen, you may believe³⁰I will not now speak at length with you. For the prince of this world is coming, but he does not have anything in me³¹Yet this is so that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I am acting according to the commandment that the Father has given to me. Rise up, let us go from here.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us through trials and the promise of divine peace. The first reading from Acts 14:19-28 recounts Paul's resilience after being stoned and left for dead. Miraculously, he survives and continues his missionary work, establishing leaders and sharing his experiences with the church upon his return. This passage highlights perseverance and trust in God's plan despite adversity. The Gospel from John 14:27-31a captures Jesus' farewell words to His disciples. He offers them a peace beyond worldly understanding, urging them not to be troubled or afraid. Jesus explains His departure to the Father and the imminent arrival of the prince of the world, yet He remains steadfast in His Father's commandment. This passage emphasizes trust in God's presence and peace amidst challenges. Both readings intertwine themes of perseverance and divine assurance. Paul's journey shows us that even in the face of persecution, faith compels us to continue our mission. Jesus' words remind us that His peace is our anchor in turbulent times. Together, they teach us to face life's challenges with courage and trust in God. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our own trials with faith. Whether facing personal struggles or societal challenges, we are reminded to trust in God's plan and find peace in His presence. The moral lesson is clear: perseverance and trust in God's peace will guide us through any tribulation, allowing us to fulfill our mission with courage and grace.