Daily Readings - Sat May 21 2022
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
In today’s readings, we journey through the missionary travels of Paul and reflect on the profound words of Jesus regarding persecution and discipleship. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a young disciple with a mixed Jewish and Gentile background. Paul, recognizing Timothy’s potential, circumcises him to facilitate their mission among the Jews. Together, they travel through various regions, guided by the Holy Spirit, who redirects their efforts to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church’s reliance on the Spirit’s guidance and the importance of adapting to God’s will, even when it means changing plans. The Church grows in faith and number, showing the fruitfulness of their obedience.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus’ words about the world’s hatred for His followers. Jesus reminds us that persecution is inevitable because the world does not know God. As disciples, we are not of the world, and this sets us apart. Jesus’ warning is not meant to instill fear but to prepare us for the challenges of living out our faith. He assures us that as the world hated Him, it will hate us, but we are not without hope or strength. The same Spirit that guided Paul and Timothy empowers us today to endure and to witness to God’s love.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journey of faith. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when the path is uncertain. Like the disciples, we are reminded that our faith will often set us apart from the world, and this may bring challenges. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and equips us to live as witnesses of God’s love. Let us embrace this calling with courage and trust, knowing that God’s plan is always greater than our own. May we, like the early Church, grow in faith and number, and may our lives bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.