Daily Readings - Tue May 01 2018
Acts
19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.20But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.24Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.25And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,26and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they remained no little time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the power of trust and perseverance in the face of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's resilience after being stoned, his continued missionary work, and the establishment of churches, highlighting the importance of community and leadership. The Gospel from John captures Jesus' assurance of peace and trust in God's plan, even as challenges loom.
Both readings emphasize trust in God amidst trials. Paul's perseverance despite persecution illustrates unwavering faith, while Jesus' words offer comfort, urging us not to be troubled but to trust in His peace. This trust is rooted in obedience to God's will, as Jesus demonstrates by following the Father's commandment.
In our daily lives, we face various struggles, but these readings encourage us to find peace in God. Like Paul, we can trust in God's plan and continue our journey with perseverance. Building strong faith communities, as Paul did, supports us in maintaining our faith. Jesus' peace, different from the world's, offers us calm amidst storms, reminding us to trust in God's providence.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and find peace in Him, even in adversity. By building supportive communities and trusting in God's will, we navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Let us embrace this trust, finding strength in our communities and peace in God's presence.