Daily Readings - Wed May 24 2023
Acts
28Take care of yourselves and of the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has stationed you as Bishops to rule the Church of God, which he has purchased by his own blood29I know that after my departure ravenous wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock30And from among yourselves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things in order to entice disciples after them31Because of this, be vigilant, retaining in memory that throughout three years I did not cease, night and day, with tears, to admonish each and every one of you32And now, I commend you to God and to the Word of his grace. He has the power to build up, and to give an inheritance to all who are sanctified33I have coveted neither silver and gold, nor apparel,34as you yourselves know. For that which was needed by me and by those who are with me, these hands have provided35I have revealed all things to you, because by laboring in this way, it is necessary to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 36And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with all of them37Then a great weeping occurred among them all. And, falling upon the neck of Paul, they kissed him38being grieved most of all over the word which he had said, that they would never see his face again. And they brought him to the ship
John
11And though I am not in the world, these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Father most holy, preserve them in your name, those whom you have given to me, so that they may be one, even as we are one12While I was with them, I preserved them in your name. I have guarded those whom you have given to me, and not one of them is lost, except the son of perdition, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled13And now I am coming to you. But I am speaking these things in the world, so that they may have the fullness of my joy within themselves14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I, too, am not of the world15I am not praying that you would take them out of the world, but that you would preserve them from evil16They are not of the world, just as I also am not of the world17Sanctify them in truth. Your word is truth18Just as you have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world19And it is for them that I sanctify myself, so that they, too, may be sanctified in truth
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of farewell and prayer, each offering insights into the nature of spiritual leadership and community. The first reading from Acts 20:28-38 captures Paul’s poignant farewell to the elders of Ephesus. As he prepares to leave, Paul warns them of impending challenges, both from outside and within, urging vigilance and faithfulness. He emphasizes the importance of selflessness and service, reminding them that true fulfillment comes not from material wealth but from giving. The scene closes with a heartfelt prayer and the elders’ sorrow at his departure, highlighting the deep bonds forged through shared faith.
The Gospel from John 17:11b-19 presents Jesus’ high priestly prayer, where He intercedes for His disciples. Jesus prays for their protection and unity, asking the Father to sanctify them in truth. He acknowledges the challenges they will face in the world but seeks not their removal from it, rather their preservation from evil. This prayer underscores Jesus’ deep concern for His followers’ well-being and their mission to live according to God’s truth in a world often hostile to it.
These readings intertwine themes of protection, unity, and mission. Both Paul and Jesus emphasize the importance of community and vigilance in the face of adversity. Paul’s farewell and Jesus’ prayer remind us that our faith is not solitary but lived within a supportive and watchful community. In our daily lives, we are called to support one another, remain vigilant against spiritual threats, and trust in God’s protective grace. We are to embody selflessness and service, recognizing that our true strength lies in unity and faith.
As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of the enduring importance of living as a community of faith. We are to be sanctified in truth, living out our mission in the world with courage and integrity. May we, like Paul and Jesus, prioritize the well-being of others, trust in God’s protection, and find fulfillment in giving and serving. In doing so, we embody the moral lesson of these readings: that our faith is a shared journey of love, service, and trust in God’s providence.