Daily Readings - Sat May 11 2024
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 readings today remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of prayer in our journey of faith. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul continuing his missionary work, strengthening the disciples as he travels through Galatia and Phrygia. We also meet Apollos, a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of the Gospel. This passage highlights the early Christian community’s reliance on teamwork and shared wisdom to spread the message of Christ. Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the intimate relationship between Himself and the Father, encouraging His disciples to pray in His name. He assures them that the Father loves them and that their joy will be complete when they ask in faith.
Both readings emphasize unity and trust in God’s plan. In Acts, we see how even the most zealous among us can benefit from guidance and correction, illustrating that no one has all the answers alone. This reflects the Church’s reliance on the collective wisdom of its members and the importance of humility in learning from one another. In John’s Gospel, Jesus invites His disciples into a deeper relationship with the Father, promising that their prayers will be heard and answered. This is not just about asking for things but about fostering a connection rooted in love and trust.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our own lives. Do we seek guidance from others, or do we try to go it alone? Are we open to learning and growing in our faith, even when it means being corrected or challenged? And when we pray, do we approach God with confidence, knowing that He loves us and desires our joy? Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and trust that these readings inspire. May we, like Apollos and the early disciples, be humble enough to learn from one another and bold enough to ask the Father for what we need, trusting that He will provide. In doing so, we will not only deepen our relationship with God but also find the joy and strength we need to live out our faith with courage and love.