Daily Readings - Sat May 05 2018
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
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding our mission as followers of Christ. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul's missionary journey, highlighting his adaptability and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Paul circumcises Timothy to facilitate their mission among the Jews, demonstrating his willingness to take necessary steps for the Gospel's sake. Despite facing closed doors in certain regions, Paul remains attentive to the Spirit's guidance, leading him to Macedonia through a vision. This passage underscores the importance of discernment and flexibility in our own journeys of faith.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus' words about the world's hatred towards His disciples. Jesus clarifies that this hatred stems from our status as outsiders in the world, chosen by Him to be different. He reminds us that persecution is inevitable, just as He experienced, but assures us that those who keep His word will also keep ours. This passage invites us to embrace our identity as disciples, recognizing that our commitment to Christ may lead to challenges but also to profound witness.
These readings intertwine by emphasizing our call to follow God's will faithfully, even amidst adversity. Like Paul, we must listen to the Spirit's prompting and adapt our paths as needed. Like the disciples, we must embrace our role as outsiders in the world, enduring hardships with the assurance of Christ's presence. In our daily lives, this means remaining open to God's leading, whether through unexpected opportunities or through perseverance in difficult circumstances. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, and He will guide us where we are needed most. Let us, therefore, walk in faith, ready to serve and witness, trusting that God's will prevails.