Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2023
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 early Christian Church’s expansion and Jesus’ poignant words to His disciples. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a pivotal moment in his missionary journey. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, navigates the challenges of spreading the Gospel, demonstrating adaptability and obedience to God’s will. The Gospel from John captures Jesus preparing His disciples for the trials they will face, emphasizing that the world’s hatred stems from their allegiance to Him, not the world.
These passages, though distinct, intertwine in their themes of mission and persecution. Paul’s experiences illustrate the practical challenges of evangelization, while Jesus’ words in John provide the theological underpinning for understanding why such challenges arise. Together, they remind us that following Christ necessitates embracing both the mission and the potential for adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God’s guidance and remain steadfast in our faith. Just as Paul was open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we too can seek divine direction in our decisions and challenges. Jesus’ words remind us that our commitment to Him may draw opposition, but it is through perseverance that we bear witness to His love. Let us, therefore, approach each day with courage and trust, knowing that our faith is a beacon of hope in a world often hostile to the Gospel.