Daily Readings - Thu May 29 2025
Acts
1After these things, having departed from Athens, he arrived at Corinth2And upon finding a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with Priscilla his wife, (because Claudius had ordered all Jews to depart from Rome,) he met with them3And because he was of the same trade, he lodged with them and was working. (Now they were tentmakers by trade.4And he was arguing in the synagogue on every Sabbath, introducing the name of the Lord Jesus. And he was persuading Jews and Greeks5And when Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul stood firm in the Word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ6But since they were contradicting him and blaspheming, he shook out his garments and said to them: "Your blood is on your own heads. I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.7And moving from that place, he entered into the house of a certain man, named Titus the Just, a worshiper of God, whose house was adjoined to the synagogue8Now Crispus, a leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, with his entire house. And many of the Corinthians, upon hearing, believed and were baptized
John
16A little while, and then you will not see me. And again a little while, and you will see me. For I am going to the Father.17Then some of his disciples said to one another: "What is this, that he is saying to us: ‘A little while, and you will not see me,’ and ‘Again a little while, and you will see me,’ and, ‘For I am going to the Father?’ 18And they said: "What is this, that he is saying, ‘A little while?’ We do not understand what he is saying.19But Jesus realized that they wanted to question him, and so he said to them: "Are you inquiring among yourselves about this, that I said: ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?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 joy
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and transformation in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul's missionary work in Corinth. Despite facing opposition, Paul remains steadfast in his ministry, eventually transitioning his focus to the Gentiles. His perseverance amidst challenges exemplifies trust in God's plan. The second reading, John 16:16-20, captures a moment where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. He speaks of a time when they will not see him, but will see him again, reassuring them that their sorrow will turn to joy. This passage underscores the theme of trust and transformation through faith.
Both readings share a common thread of transition and trust. Paul's journey in Corinth and Jesus' Farewell Discourse both emphasize the importance of trusting God despite uncertainty. Just as Paul trusted God's guidance to minister to the Gentiles, the disciples were called to trust that their sorrow would become joy. This connection reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges but navigating them with trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, we often face transitions and uncertainties. These readings encourage us to embrace these moments with trust, knowing that God's plan unfolds even in difficult times. Just as Paul's ministry and the disciples' experience show, our trials can lead to deeper faith and unexpected joy. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, and find joy in His presence, even amidst life's challenges.