Daily Readings - Fri May 10 2024
Acts
9Then the Lord said to Paul, through a vision in the night: "Do not be afraid. Instead, speak out and do not be silent10For I am with you. And no one will take hold of you, so as to do you harm. For many of the people in this city are with me.11Then he settled there for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one accord against Paul. And they brought him to the tribunal13saying, "He persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.14Then, when Paul was beginning to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: "If this were some matter of injustice, or a wicked deed, O noble Jews, I would support you, as is proper15Yet if truly these are questions about a word and names and your law, you should see to it yourselves. I will not be the judge of such things.16And he ordered them from the tribunal17But they, apprehending Sosthenes, a leader of the synagogue, beat him in front of the tribunal. And Gallio showed no concern for these things18Yet truly, Paul, after he had remained for many more days, having said goodbye to the brothers, sailed into Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. Now he had shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had made a vow
John
20Amen, amen, I say to you, that you shall mourn and weep, but the world will rejoice. And you shall be greatly saddened, yet your sorrow shall be turned into joy21A woman, when she is giving birth, has sorrow, because her hour has arrived. But when she has given birth to the child, then she no longer remembers the difficulties, because of the joy: for a man has been born into the world22Therefore, you also, indeed, have sorrow now. But I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice. And no one will take away your joy from you23And, 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 you
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that remind us of the enduring presence of God amidst trials and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul’s missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing persecution and opposition from the Jews, Paul receives a vision from the Lord, who assures him of divine protection and the presence of many who are faithful. This assurance emboldens Paul to continue his mission, teaching the Word of God for an extended period. The reading concludes with Paul’s eventual departure, leaving behind a community strengthened in faith. This passage highlights the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of trusting in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus’ words of comfort to His disciples. He speaks of a time when they will experience sorrow, but this sorrow will be transformed into joy, much like a woman who endures the pain of childbirth but then rejoices at the birth of her child. Jesus promises that their hearts will rejoice when they see Him again and that no one will take that joy away. This passage invites us to reflect on the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal promise of joy that comes from union with Christ.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is also filled with hope and promise. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s presence and continue our mission of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Like the disciples, we are assured that our sorrows will be turned into joy when we remain faithful and united to Christ. In our daily lives, let us embrace the trials we face with courage and hope, knowing that God is with us and that our ultimate joy is rooted in Him. May we, like Paul, persevere in our faith and may we, like the disciples, find our hearts filled with the joy that only Christ can give.