Daily Readings - Sat May 24 2025
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
The readings today remind us of the challenges and opportunities that come with following Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and Timothy embarking on their missionary journey, guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul, though a zealous preacher, takes the practical step of circumcising Timothy to make him more acceptable to the Jewish communities they will visit. This shows us that being faithful doesn’t mean being rigid; sometimes, we need to adapt to reach others effectively. The Spirit then leads them to Macedonia, where they are called to preach the Gospel. This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment and trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the world’s hatred for those who follow Him. He reminds them that they are not of the world, and because of this, they will face persecution. Yet, He also reassures them that they are not alone; the same Spirit that guided the apostles in Acts will guide them. Jesus’ words are a sobering reminder that living as His disciples will often mean facing opposition, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened.
These readings call us to reflect on our own lives. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain? Are we prepared to face challenges because of our commitment to Christ? The good news is that we are not left alone. Like Paul and Timothy, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, and like the disciples, we have the promise of God’s presence in the midst of persecution. Let us trust in His plan, remain steadfast in our faith, and remember that our ultimate home is not in this world but in the kingdom of God.