Daily Readings - Thu May 17 2018
Acts
30But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
6Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."7And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.9Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?"10And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.11The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."
John
20"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,21that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,23I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.25O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.26I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, faith, and divine presence amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, where he skillfully navigates the theological divide between Pharisees and Sadducees by affirming his belief in the resurrection. This act of faith sparks a heated debate, leading to Paul’s rescue by the Roman tribune. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reinforcing his mission to testify in Rome. This passage highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. Jesus petitions the Father that His disciples may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity, Jesus explains, is not merely for the sake of His immediate followers but for all who will come to believe through their testimony. Jesus’ prayer also expresses His desire that His disciples may share in the glory He has received from the Father and that they may experience the fullness of God’s love. This passage underscores the profound importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the boundless love that God has for us.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and relationships. Just as Paul faced division and hostility, we too may encounter challenges that test our faith and our resolve. Yet, like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and guidance. Similarly, Jesus’ prayer for unity challenges us to examine how we relate to one another. Are we instruments of unity and reconciliation, or do we contribute to division? Let us strive to be one in heart and mind, just as the Father and the Son are one. May we also deepen our awareness of God’s love for us, a love that transcends all boundaries and sustains us through every trial. In doing so, we not only bear witness to the power of faith but also become living reflections of the unity and love that Jesus prayed for on our behalf.