Daily Readings - Fri Jun 07 2019
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, leadership, and the challenges of following Christ. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul’s imprisonment and legal journey, highlighting his unwavering faith amidst adversity. Despite the weak accusations against him, Paul’s commitment to his mission never wavers, demonstrating his trust in God’s plan. The second reading from John’s Gospel presents a poignant moment where Jesus restores Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him. Each affirmation leads to a charge to “feed His sheep,” culminating in a prediction of Peter’s future martyrdom. This exchange underscores the essence of leadership rooted in love and self-sacrifice.
Both readings, though distinct, share a common theme of discipleship. Paul’s perseverance in the face of legal challenges and Peter’s acceptance of his mission illustrate the different yet complementary aspects of following Christ. Paul’s story emphasizes enduring trials with faith, while Peter’s narrative highlights the transformative power of love and the responsibility that comes with it. Together, they remind us that our faith is not merely a belief but a call to action, whether through steadfastness in adversity or through loving service to others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace our own missions with courage and love. Like Paul, we may face unexpected challenges, but our faith should remain unshaken. Like Peter, we are called to love deeply and serve selflessly, even when the path is difficult. Let us draw inspiration from these examples, remembering that our faith journey is not about comfort but about fidelity to God’s will. May we, like Paul and Peter, embrace our crosses with grace and fulfill the mission entrusted to us, glorifying God in all we do.