Daily Readings - Wed May 19 2021
Acts
28Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;30and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.32And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.33I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.35In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"36And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.37And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,38being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
John
11And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.12While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.13But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of leadership and devotion. The first reading from Acts 20:28-38 captures Paul's heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus. Paul, aware of his impending departure, urges the leaders to vigilantly care for the flock, warning them against false teachers and encouraging them to support the weak. His words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," underscore the selfless service expected of them. The emotional farewell, marked by tears and embraces, highlights the deep bond between Paul and the community.
The Gospel reading from John 17:11b-19 presents Jesus' prayer for his disciples. Jesus asks the Father to protect and unify them, acknowledging that while they are in the world, they are not of it. He sanctifies himself for their sake, ensuring they are set apart in truth. This prayer, uttered on the eve of his passion, reflects Jesus' deep concern for his followers' well-being and unity in the face of a hostile world.
Both readings emphasize themes of protection, leadership, and the challenges of living as God's people in a world often hostile to faith. Paul and Jesus exemplify the shepherd's role, guiding and guarding their flocks. Their messages remind us of the importance of unity and trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to embrace community and mutual support, to be vigilant against false influences, and to trust in God's protective care. As we navigate life's challenges, may we draw strength from the unity and truth that bind us, striving to live as sanctified individuals in a world that often misunderstands our values. Let us remember that true leadership and community are rooted in selfless love and devotion, reflecting the heart of Christ.