Daily Readings - Fri May 30 2025
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 guide us through times of challenge and offer hope. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 describes Paul's missionary journey in Corinth, where he receives a vision of encouragement from the Lord. Despite facing opposition from the Jews, Paul perseveres, and with the indifference of the proconsul Gallio, he continues his ministry. The passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Word of God, even amidst adversity. The Gospel from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus' discourse to His disciples, where He prepares them for the sorrow they will face after His departure. He reassures them that their grief will transform into joy, much like a woman's pain in childbirth gives way to the joy of new life. Jesus also promises that their prayers to the Father in His name will be answered.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's experience in Corinth occurs during a time of significant growth and challenge for the early church, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and trust in God's presence. In John's Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials they will face in His absence, offering them hope and reassurance. Both readings share a common theme: the interplay between sorrow and joy, challenge and hope. Paul's courage in the face of opposition and Jesus' promise of joy and answered prayers remind us that our faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about trusting in God's plan and presence.
Applying these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that we all face struggles and sorrows. Yet, just as Paul continued his mission despite obstacles and just as the disciples found joy after their sorrow, we too can trust that our challenges will lead to deeper joy and growth. When we face opposition or hardship, we can draw strength from Paul's example and Jesus' promise. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us, even in the midst of trials. Let us approach life's challenges with courage and hope, trusting that our sorrow will be transformed into joy and that our prayers will be heard by the Father. In this way, we live out the assurance that God is always with us, guiding us through every moment.