Daily Readings - Thu May 20 2021
Acts
30But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
6Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."7And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.9Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?"10And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.11The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."
John
20"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,21that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,23I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.25O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.26I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments that invite us to reflect on unity and faith. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's trial, where he cleverly exploits the theological differences between Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to a division that forces Roman intervention. This scene highlights Paul's strategic defense, rooted in his deep understanding of Jewish sects. The second reading, from John's Gospel, presents Jesus' heartfelt prayer for the unity of His disciples, emphasizing their oneness with Him and the Father. This prayer underscores the divine desire for harmony among believers.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the pursuit of unity amidst diversity. Paul's situation reveals the challenges of division, while Jesus' prayer offers a vision of unity. Together, they remind us that unity is not about uniformity but about a shared commitment to faith and love. Just as Jesus prayed for His disciples, we are called to strive for unity in our own communities, recognizing that our differences can be a strength when united in purpose.
In our daily lives, this means seeking common ground, embracing diversity, and fostering love. Let us, like Jesus, pray for unity and work towards it, understanding that it is a divine gift that enriches our shared journey of faith.