Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of God's presence amidst life's challenges. In Acts 19:1-8, Paul encounters disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, lays hands on them, and the Holy Spirit descends, empowering them to speak in tongues and prophesy. This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's role in completing the initiation into the Christian life, enabling believers to live a Spirit-filled life. Paul then spends three months teaching in the synagogue, demonstrating the Spirit's empowerment for bold witness and teaching.
In John 16:29-33, Jesus reassures His disciples as He prepares them for His departure. He acknowledges their growing faith and warns them of impending scattering, but assures them He is never alone because the Father is with Him. Jesus offers these words so that His disciples may have peace in Him, despite the world's tribulations. He encourages confidence, for He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes trust in God's presence and the peace that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Both readings relate through the theme of the Holy Spirit. In Acts, the Spirit is the gift that equips believers for mission and witness. In John, the Spirit is the source of peace and confidence amidst challenges. Together, they remind us that the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual life and empowerment. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are to trust in the Spirit's presence and power, seeking to be filled anew each day. Let us, like the disciples in Ephesus, be open to the fullness of the Spirit, and like Jesus' disciples, find peace and confidence in the Spirit's empowerment, knowing that God has overcome the world.