Daily Readings - Sat May 08 2021
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
In today's readings, we journey through the missionary travels of Paul and the profound words of Jesus, each offering insights into faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 introduces us to Timothy, a young disciple chosen by Paul for his missionary journey. Despite the challenges, including Timothy's circumcision to appease the Jews, Paul's obedience and the Spirit's guidance are evident. This passage highlights the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus' warning about the world's hatred towards His followers. Jesus explains that this hatred stems from the world's rejection of Him, emphasizing that His disciples are not of the world. He reminds us that just as He faced persecution, so will we, but we are not alone. Jesus' words assure us that the Father's presence and support are always with us, even in times of trial.
These readings intertwine beautifully, illustrating the dual nature of our faith: the call to mission and the promise of divine accompaniment. Paul's journey shows us the practical aspects of following God's will, while Jesus' words in John remind us of the spiritual strength needed to endure. Together, they teach us to embrace our missionary calling with courage, trusting in God's providence. As we face our own challenges, let us draw inspiration from these readings, standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's guidance.