Daily Readings - Mon May 22 2023
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 guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and through the laying on of hands, they experience the Spirit's descent, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying. This episode underscores the transition from John's baptism of repentance to the fullness of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, highlighting the Spirit's empowering role in the early church.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He acknowledges their growing faith but warns of impending scattering, reassuring them that He is never alone, as the Father is always with Him. Jesus offers these words to foster peace and confidence, reminding them that despite the world's challenges, He has already overcome them.
These readings connect through themes of the Holy Spirit and trust in God's presence. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers for mission, while in John, Jesus assures His disciples of peace and victory. Together, they invite us to embrace the Spirit's empowerment and trust in God's providence, even amidst life's trials.
In our daily lives, let us remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative power, seeking His guidance and strength. May we face challenges with the confidence that God is with us, granting us peace and overcoming the world's difficulties. This assurance calls us to live courageously, trusting in God's presence and promises.