Daily Readings - Fri May 10 2024
Acts
9And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."11And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,13saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law."14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint.15But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."16And he drove them from the tribunal.17And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.18After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.
John
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.21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.23In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that remind us of the enduring presence of God amidst trials and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul’s missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing persecution and opposition from the Jews, Paul receives a vision from the Lord, who assures him of divine protection and the presence of many who are faithful. This assurance emboldens Paul to continue his mission, teaching the Word of God for an extended period. The reading concludes with Paul’s eventual departure, leaving behind a community strengthened in faith. This passage highlights the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of trusting in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus’ words of comfort to His disciples. He speaks of a time when they will experience sorrow, but this sorrow will be transformed into joy, much like a woman who endures the pain of childbirth but then rejoices at the birth of her child. Jesus promises that their hearts will rejoice when they see Him again and that no one will take that joy away. This passage invites us to reflect on the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal promise of joy that comes from union with Christ.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is also filled with hope and promise. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s presence and continue our mission of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Like the disciples, we are assured that our sorrows will be turned into joy when we remain faithful and united to Christ. In our daily lives, let us embrace the trials we face with courage and hope, knowing that God is with us and that our ultimate joy is rooted in Him. May we, like Paul, persevere in our faith and may we, like the disciples, find our hearts filled with the joy that only Christ can give.