Daily Readings - Fri May 22 2020
Acts
9And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."11And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,13saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law."14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.15But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."16And he drove them from the tribunal.17And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.18After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.
John
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.21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.23In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us through the dynamics of faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul's missionary journey, where he faces opposition yet remains steadfast in his mission. A vision from the Lord emboldens him to continue preaching, despite the challenges. This passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. The second reading, John 16:20-23a, offers a message of hope from Jesus. He assures his disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy, much like a woman who forgets her pain after giving birth. Jesus promises that their joy will be complete and that they will find everything they need in the Father.
These readings converge on the theme of hope amidst adversity. Paul's experience in Acts illustrates the challenges of living out one's faith, while Jesus' words in John provide the reassurance needed to endure such trials. Both narratives remind us that our faith journey is not without its struggles, but it is in these moments that we discover the depth of God's presence and provision.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when the path seems uncertain. Just as Paul trusted the vision and continued his mission, we too can face our challenges with courage. Jesus' promise of joy turning sorrow upside down encourages us to hold onto hope, knowing that our struggles are temporary. Let us reflect on our own trials and remember that God is ever-present, transforming our sorrows into joy. The moral lesson here is one of unwavering trust and hope in God, reminding us that through faith, we can overcome any obstacle and find true joy in His presence.