Daily Readings - Sat May 15 2021
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:23-28 recounts Paul's missionary travels and introduces Apollo, a zealous teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of Christianity. This passage highlights the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The Gospel from John 16:23b-28 features Jesus discussing the power of prayer in His name, promising joy and assurance that the Father will grant our requests. He also speaks of His departure and return to the Father, emphasizing the disciples' direct relationship with God.
These readings, though from different contexts, are interconnected through themes of evangelism and prayer. Acts illustrates the active spreading of faith, while John's Gospel underscores the spiritual foundation of prayer that sustains such efforts. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is both outward in mission and inward in personal relationship with God.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to actively share our faith and nurture it through prayer. Just as Apollo and Paul relied on their communities for support, we too can grow in faith by learning from others and deepening our prayer life. Jesus' promise that our joy will be full when we pray in His name invites us to trust in God's providence. Let us embrace both the mission of spreading the Gospel and the intimacy of prayer, allowing these elements to enrich our daily lives and draw us closer to God.