Daily Readings - Thu May 29 2025
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and transformation in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul's missionary work in Corinth. Despite facing opposition, Paul remains steadfast in his ministry, eventually transitioning his focus to the Gentiles. His perseverance amidst challenges exemplifies trust in God's plan. The second reading, John 16:16-20, captures a moment where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. He speaks of a time when they will not see him, but will see him again, reassuring them that their sorrow will turn to joy. This passage underscores the theme of trust and transformation through faith.
Both readings share a common thread of transition and trust. Paul's journey in Corinth and Jesus' Farewell Discourse both emphasize the importance of trusting God despite uncertainty. Just as Paul trusted God's guidance to minister to the Gentiles, the disciples were called to trust that their sorrow would become joy. This connection reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges but navigating them with trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, we often face transitions and uncertainties. These readings encourage us to embrace these moments with trust, knowing that God's plan unfolds even in difficult times. Just as Paul's ministry and the disciples' experience show, our trials can lead to deeper faith and unexpected joy. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, and find joy in His presence, even amidst life's challenges.