Daily Readings - Sat May 20 2023
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
The first reading from Acts tells us about Apollos, a Jewish Christian from Alexandria who was eloquent and well-versed in the Scriptures. Though he knew only the baptism of John, he preached about Jesus with fervor in the synagogue at Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who were also disciples, recognized his potential and took him aside to teach him more thoroughly about the Way of the Lord. With their guidance, Apollos became an even more effective preacher, especially among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the life of faith.
The Gospel reading from John is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples. Jesus assures them that they will no longer need to ask him for anything because they can ask the Father directly in his name. He promises that the Father will give them whatever they ask for, and their joy will be complete. Jesus also mentions that he will no longer speak in parables but will speak plainly to them. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and the trust that believers can place in the Father’s love and provision.
Both readings remind us of the importance of prayer and the support of the Christian community. In the first reading, Apollos’ growth as a preacher was made possible by the guidance of Priscilla and Aquila, showing that none of us can grow in faith alone. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to approach the Father with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered. These readings call us to deepen our prayer life and to seek the support of others in our journey of faith. May we, like Apollos, remain humble and open to learning, and may we, like the disciples, trust in the Father’s love and provision.