Daily Readings - Mon May 30 2022
Acts
1Now it happened that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul, after he had journeyed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesus. And he met with certain disciples2And he said to them, "After believing, have you received the Holy Spirit?" But they said to him, "We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.3Yet truly, he said, "Then with what have you been baptized?" And they said, "With the baptism of John.4Then Paul said: "John baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe in the One who is to come after him, that is, in Jesus.5Upon hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus6And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came over them. And they were speaking in tongues and prophesying7Now the men were about twelve in all8Then, upon entering the synagogue, he was speaking faithfully for three months, disputing and persuading them about the kingdom of God
John
29His disciples said to him: "Behold, now you are speaking plainly and not reciting a proverb30Now we know that you know all things, and that you have no need for anyone to question you. By this, we believe that you went forth from God.31Jesus answered them: "Do you believe now32Behold, the hour is coming, and it has now arrived, when you will be scattered, each one on his own, and you will leave me behind, alone. And yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me33These things I have spoken to you, so that you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have difficulties. But have confidence: I have overcome the world.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that illuminate the role of the Holy Spirit and the nature of faith amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts 19:1-8 describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. These disciples, followers of John the Baptist, were baptized only with John's baptism of repentance. Paul explains that John's baptism was a precursor to belief in Jesus, leading them to be baptized in Jesus' name. Through Paul's laying on of hands, they receive the Holy Spirit, manifesting in speaking in tongues and prophesying. This event highlights the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the progression of faith from preparation to fulfillment.
The Gospel reading from John 16:29-33 shifts focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where He assures His disciples of peace and victory despite impending challenges. The disciples acknowledge Jesus' divine origin, and He affirms their faith. Jesus forewarns them of scattering and isolation but reassures them of the Father's presence. He encourages them to have confidence, for He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in providing peace and the strength to face adversity.
Both readings converge on the Holy Spirit's transformative power. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers, while in John, the Spirit offers peace and reassurance. This duality reminds us to seek the Spirit's presence in our lives, embracing both empowerment and peace. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in God's support and recognize the stages of our faith journey, much like the disciples who moved from John's baptism to a deeper commitment to Jesus. Let us remain open to the Spirit's guidance, finding strength in our faith and peace amidst turmoil.