Daily Readings - Sat May 15 2021
Acts
23After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.24Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.27And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,28for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
John
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.24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.25"I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father.26In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf;27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.28I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:23-28 recounts Paul's missionary travels and introduces Apollo, a zealous teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of Christianity. This passage highlights the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The Gospel from John 16:23b-28 features Jesus discussing the power of prayer in His name, promising joy and assurance that the Father will grant our requests. He also speaks of His departure and return to the Father, emphasizing the disciples' direct relationship with God.
These readings, though from different contexts, are interconnected through themes of evangelism and prayer. Acts illustrates the active spreading of faith, while John's Gospel underscores the spiritual foundation of prayer that sustains such efforts. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is both outward in mission and inward in personal relationship with God.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to actively share our faith and nurture it through prayer. Just as Apollo and Paul relied on their communities for support, we too can grow in faith by learning from others and deepening our prayer life. Jesus' promise that our joy will be full when we pray in His name invites us to trust in God's providence. Let us embrace both the mission of spreading the Gospel and the intimacy of prayer, allowing these elements to enrich our daily lives and draw us closer to God.