Daily Readings - Sat May 21 2022
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 reflect on the profound words of Jesus regarding persecution and discipleship. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a young disciple with a mixed Jewish and Gentile background. Paul, recognizing Timothy’s potential, circumcises him to facilitate their mission among the Jews. Together, they travel through various regions, guided by the Holy Spirit, who redirects their efforts to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church’s reliance on the Spirit’s guidance and the importance of adapting to God’s will, even when it means changing plans. The Church grows in faith and number, showing the fruitfulness of their obedience.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus’ words about the world’s hatred for His followers. Jesus reminds us that persecution is inevitable because the world does not know God. As disciples, we are not of the world, and this sets us apart. Jesus’ warning is not meant to instill fear but to prepare us for the challenges of living out our faith. He assures us that as the world hated Him, it will hate us, but we are not without hope or strength. The same Spirit that guided Paul and Timothy empowers us today to endure and to witness to God’s love.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journey of faith. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when the path is uncertain. Like the disciples, we are reminded that our faith will often set us apart from the world, and this may bring challenges. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and equips us to live as witnesses of God’s love. Let us embrace this calling with courage and trust, knowing that God’s plan is always greater than our own. May we, like the early Church, grow in faith and number, and may our lives bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.