Daily Readings - Fri May 21 2021

Acts

Chapter 24

²⁷Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner

¹³And when some days had passed, king Agrippa and Bernice descended to Caesarea, to greet Festus¹⁴And since they remained there for many days, Festus spoke to the king about Paul, saying: "A certain man was left behind as a prisoner by Felix¹⁵When I was at Jerusalem, the leaders of the priests and the elders of the Jews came to me about him, asking for condemnation against him¹⁶I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to condemn any man, before he who is being accused has been confronted by his accusers and has received the opportunity to defend himself, so as to clear himself of the charges¹⁷Therefore, when they had arrived here, without any delay, on the following day, sitting in the judgment seat, I ordered the man to be brought¹⁸But when the accusers had stood up, they did not present any accusation about him from which I would suspect evil¹⁹Instead, they brought against him certain disputes about their own superstition and about a certain Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted to be alive²⁰Therefore, being in doubt about this kind of question, I asked him if he was willing go to Jerusalem and to be judged there about these things²¹But since Paul was appealing to be kept for a decision before Augustus, I ordered him to be kept, until I might send him to Caesar.

John

Chapter 21

¹⁵Then, when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs.¹⁶He said to him again: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs.¹⁷He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was very grieved that he had asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" And so he said to him: "Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my sheep¹⁸Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked wherever you wanted. But when you are older, you will extend your hands, and another shall gird you and lead you where you do not want to go.¹⁹Now he said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, faithfulness, and divine providence. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's continued imprisonment under Governor Festus, who seeks to understand the charges against him. Festus, unsure of how to proceed, involves King Agrippa, highlighting the complexities of human judgment and the search for truth. This narrative reminds us that even in uncertainty, our faith must remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan. The Gospel from John presents a poignant conversation between Jesus and Peter. After the resurrection, Jesus thrice asks Peter if he loves Him, each time charging him to "feed my sheep." This exchange is not just a test of Peter's devotion but a recommissioning, restoring him to a position of leadership after his earlier denial. It underscores the importance of trust and the call to serve others with love and humility. These readings intertwine themes of trust and responsibility. Paul's situation illustrates trusting God amidst uncertainty, while Peter's dialogue with Jesus emphasizes the call to faithful service. In our lives, we are reminded to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances are unclear, and to embrace our roles in caring for one another. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, trusting in God's plan and lovingly serving those around us.