Daily Readings - Sat May 25 2019
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 first reading from Acts describes Paul's journey with Timothy and the early Christian community's efforts to spread the Gospel. Paul, recognizing Timothy's potential as a disciple, circumcises him to ease his acceptance among the Jewish communities they will visit. As they travel, they strengthen the Churches and face the Holy Spirit's guidance, redirecting their mission to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the Spirit's active role in shaping their mission.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' words to His disciples, warning them of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that because they are chosen and belong to Him, the world will persecute them, just as it persecuted Him. He reminds them that the servant is not greater than the master and that their fidelity to His word will be tested. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of steadfast faith in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ involves both mission and sacrifice. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to share the Gospel courageously, even when faced with obstacles. Jesus' words in John invite us to embrace our identity as His disciples, knowing that persecution or opposition may arise. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's guidance, remain faithful in challenging situations, and persevere in living out our faith. May we, like the early Christians, allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and may we endure any trials with the assurance that we belong to Christ.