Daily Readings - Fri Jun 03 2022
Acts
27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
13Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.14And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix,15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.16I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.17So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought.18When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.19Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.20Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them.21But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar."
John
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."16He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, leadership, and devotion. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s imprisonment and the discussions surrounding his case, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his faith despite uncertainty. The Gospel from John presents a poignant moment where Jesus, after His resurrection, restores Peter’s role as a leader, charging him to care for His flock, symbolizing the trust placed in him.
These passages are set against the backdrop of significant events in the early Christian Church. Paul’s imprisonment underscores the political and religious tensions of the time, while Peter’s encounter with Jesus occurs after the resurrection, emphasizing the restoration of his leadership role. Both narratives illustrate the theme of trust in divine providence, even amidst challenging circumstances.
The readings relate through their emphasis on trust and leadership. Paul’s faith in God’s plan despite imprisonment, and Peter’s acceptance of his mission to care for others, teach us about trusting in God’s guidance and embracing our roles with love and humility. In our daily lives, we are called to lead with compassion and trust, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, just as Peter was called to tend to Christ’s flock.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can embody trust and leadership in our own lives. May we, like Paul, remain steadfast in our faith, and like Peter, embrace our responsibilities with love and humility, following Christ’s example.