Daily Readings - Fri Jun 02 2017
Acts
27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
13Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.14And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.16I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.17So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.18When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.19Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.20Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.21But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."
John
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."16He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and service. The first reading from Acts depicts Paul as a prisoner, caught in a web of political and legal complexities. Despite his confinement, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, embodying the resilience of the early Christian church. His situation highlights the challenges faced by the early Christians as they navigated a world often hostile to their beliefs. Paul's unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of uncertainty, serves as a testament to the power of conviction and trust in God's plan.
The Gospel reading from John offers a poignant moment of restoration and commission. Jesus appears to Peter after His resurrection, engaging him in a threefold inquiry about his love. Each affirmation by Peter is met with a charge to "feed my lambs" or "feed my sheep," underscoring the connection between love and service. This interaction not only restores Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, but also commissions him to a life of caring for others. Jesus' words to Peter about his future, leading to a sacrificial death, emphasize that true discipleship involves following Him even when the path is difficult.
These readings converge on the theme of faith leading to action. Paul's perseverance in the face of adversity and Peter's commission to serve illustrate that our faith is not passive but active. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this faith through love and service. Just as Peter was called to care for others, we too are invited to express our love for God by serving those around us. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should inspire us to act with compassion and dedication, trusting that God guides us through all circumstances. Let us embrace this call to faith and service, following Jesus' example, even when the journey is challenging.