Daily Readings - Thu May 21 2020
Acts
1After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,3and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.5When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.6And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."7And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
John
16"A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me."17So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?"18So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about."19Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'?20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul's missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing rejection from the Jewish community, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, continuing his ministry and converting many Gentiles. His perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. The second reading from John 16:16-20 captures a moment of confusion and sorrow among Jesus' disciples as He speaks about His impending departure. Jesus reassures them that their sorrow will be transformed into joy, a promise that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss or uncertainty.
Both readings highlight the theme of transition and the promise of joy after sorrow. Paul's experience in Corinth reminds us that even in the face of rejection, God's work continues to flourish. Jesus' words to His disciples invite us to trust in His plan, even when the future seems unclear. These passages encourage us to embrace faith and perseverance, knowing that our struggles are not in vain.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our own lives. When we face challenges or uncertainties, we are called to trust in God's timing and plan. Just as Paul found strength in his mission and the disciples would eventually understand Jesus' words, we too can find joy in the midst of adversity. Let us embrace the promise that our sorrow will be turned into joy, and let us continue to walk in faith, trusting that God is always with us.