Daily Readings - Tue May 20 2025

¹⁹But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.²⁰But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.²¹When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,²²strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.²³And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.²⁴Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.²⁵And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,²⁶and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.²⁷And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.²⁸And they remained no little time with the disciples.

John

Chapter 14

²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.²⁸You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.²⁹And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.³⁰I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,³¹but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and divine providence. The first reading from Acts 14:19-28 recounts Paul's missionary journey, where he faces severe persecution, including being stoned and left for dead. Yet, Paul's unwavering faith and trust in God's plan propel him to continue his mission, establishing churches and strengthening the early Christian communities. This passage highlights Paul's resilience and commitment to spreading the Gospel despite adversity. The Gospel reading from John 14:27-31a offers a moment of tender reassurance from Jesus to his disciples. As He prepares to leave them, Jesus imparts His peace, distinguishing it from the fleeting peace the world offers. He reassures them that His departure is in obedience to the Father, emphasizing His love and the divine plan. This passage invites us to trust in God's providence, especially during times of uncertainty or challenge. Both readings beautifully intertwine, illustrating how faith and trust in God can navigate us through life's trials. Paul's perseverance in the face of physical suffering mirrors the spiritual reassurance Jesus offers. They remind us that our peace and strength come from God, not the world. In our daily lives, when faced with challenges, we can draw on this divine peace, trusting that God's plan is at work. Let us embrace this peace, remain faithful, and continue our journey with hearts open to God's will.