Daily Readings - Sat May 20 2017
Acts
1Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.2He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.4As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.5So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."10And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
John
18"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.20Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the journey of faith and the challenges that come with following God’s will. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and his companions traveling through various regions, spreading the Gospel. They face obstacles, such as being prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in certain areas, but they remain faithful and attentive to God’s guidance. The vision of the man from Macedonia calling for help leads them to a new mission field, showing us that God often redirects our paths for greater purposes. This passage reminds us that our plans are not always God’s plans, and true discipleship requires flexibility and trust in divine providence.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the reality of persecution and hatred from the world. He reminds them that they are not of the world, and because of this, the world will hate them. This hatred, however, is not without purpose. Jesus assures them that if they keep His word, they will be strengthened to endure. This teaching applies to us today, as we often face challenges for living according to God’s truth. Jesus is not promising us an easy life but a life of fidelity and courage, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.
These readings are deeply connected. Paul’s missionary journey in Acts shows us what it looks like to live out Jesus’ words in the Gospel. Despite facing opposition and uncertainty, Paul and his companions remain faithful, trusting that God is guiding them. For us, this means that when we face difficulties or feel hated for our beliefs, we can draw strength from the same Spirit that guided Paul. Our faith is not a shield from suffering but a source of hope and perseverance. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, no matter the cost.