Daily Readings - Tue May 04 2021
Acts
19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.20But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.24Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.25And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,26and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they remained no little time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, perseverance, and the peace that comes from trusting in God. The first reading from Acts recounts the trials of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rises again to continue his mission, strengthening the disciples and establishing communities of faith. This passage reminds us that the journey of following Christ is not without its challenges, but it is through these trials that we grow in faith and deepen our commitment to the Lord. The second reading from John’s Gospel offers a message of peace and trust. Jesus reassures his disciples that though he must leave them, he leaves them with a peace that the world cannot give. He encourages them to trust in his love and to remain faithful, knowing that he is always with them.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of trust, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith. Paul’s resilience in the face of persecution mirrors Jesus’ own trust in the Father’s will, even as he faced the cross. Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges in our own lives. Do we allow fear or doubt to overwhelm us, or do we draw strength from the peace and love that Christ offers? The readings remind us that our faith is not a shield from suffering but a source of strength to endure it with hope and courage.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain? How can I, like Paul, rise above setbacks and continue to serve others with joy and perseverance? And how can I, like the disciples, receive the peace that Christ offers and share it with a world in need? May these readings inspire us to live with greater faith, deeper trust, and a heart open to the will of God. Let us remember that the peace of Christ is not the absence of trials but the presence of God in the midst of them.