Daily Readings - Sat May 11 2024
Acts
23After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.24Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.27And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,28for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
John
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.24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.25"I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father.26In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf;27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.28I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of prayer in our journey of faith. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul continuing his missionary work, strengthening the disciples as he travels through Galatia and Phrygia. We also meet Apollos, a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of the Gospel. This passage highlights the early Christian community’s reliance on teamwork and shared wisdom to spread the message of Christ. Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the intimate relationship between Himself and the Father, encouraging His disciples to pray in His name. He assures them that the Father loves them and that their joy will be complete when they ask in faith.
Both readings emphasize unity and trust in God’s plan. In Acts, we see how even the most zealous among us can benefit from guidance and correction, illustrating that no one has all the answers alone. This reflects the Church’s reliance on the collective wisdom of its members and the importance of humility in learning from one another. In John’s Gospel, Jesus invites His disciples into a deeper relationship with the Father, promising that their prayers will be heard and answered. This is not just about asking for things but about fostering a connection rooted in love and trust.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our own lives. Do we seek guidance from others, or do we try to go it alone? Are we open to learning and growing in our faith, even when it means being corrected or challenged? And when we pray, do we approach God with confidence, knowing that He loves us and desires our joy? Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and trust that these readings inspire. May we, like Apollos and the early disciples, be humble enough to learn from one another and bold enough to ask the Father for what we need, trusting that He will provide. In doing so, we will not only deepen our relationship with God but also find the joy and strength we need to live out our faith with courage and love.