Daily Readings - Thu May 09 2024
Acts
1After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,3and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.5When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.6And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."7And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
John
16"A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me."17So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?"18So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about."19Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'?20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on perseverance, trust in God’s plan, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18 describes Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth, where he faces both opposition and opportunity. Despite being rejected by some, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, and through his efforts, many come to believe in Christ. The Gospel from John 16 presents Jesus comforting his disciples with the promise that their sorrow will turn into joy, even as he prepares to leave them.
These readings are deeply connected. Paul’s experience in Corinth mirrors the disciples’ experience of loss and confusion. Just as Paul trusted in God’s providence despite setbacks, the disciples are called to trust in Jesus’ promise that their sorrow is not permanent. Both narratives remind us that our faith journey is not without challenges, but it is in these moments of uncertainty that we are invited to deepen our trust in God’s plan.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt or rejection, just like Paul and the disciples. Yet, these readings encourage us to persevere, knowing that God’s plan unfolds in ways we may not fully understand. Jesus’ promise that sorrow will turn into joy reminds us to hold onto hope, even in the midst of difficulty. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s timing? How can I share the joy of the Gospel, even when it feels challenging? May we, like Paul, remain steadfast in our mission and, like the disciples, find comfort in the promise that our sorrow will be transformed into eternal joy.