Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2023
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 early Christian Church’s expansion and Jesus’ poignant words to His disciples. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a pivotal moment in his missionary journey. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, navigates the challenges of spreading the Gospel, demonstrating adaptability and obedience to God’s will. The Gospel from John captures Jesus preparing His disciples for the trials they will face, emphasizing that the world’s hatred stems from their allegiance to Him, not the world.
These passages, though distinct, intertwine in their themes of mission and persecution. Paul’s experiences illustrate the practical challenges of evangelization, while Jesus’ words in John provide the theological underpinning for understanding why such challenges arise. Together, they remind us that following Christ necessitates embracing both the mission and the potential for adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God’s guidance and remain steadfast in our faith. Just as Paul was open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we too can seek divine direction in our decisions and challenges. Jesus’ words remind us that our commitment to Him may draw opposition, but it is through perseverance that we bear witness to His love. Let us, therefore, approach each day with courage and trust, knowing that our faith is a beacon of hope in a world often hostile to the Gospel.