Daily Readings - Fri May 30 2025
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 guide us through times of challenge and offer hope. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 describes Paul's missionary journey in Corinth, where he receives a vision of encouragement from the Lord. Despite facing opposition from the Jews, Paul perseveres, and with the indifference of the proconsul Gallio, he continues his ministry. The passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Word of God, even amidst adversity. The Gospel from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus' discourse to His disciples, where He prepares them for the sorrow they will face after His departure. He reassures them that their grief will transform into joy, much like a woman's pain in childbirth gives way to the joy of new life. Jesus also promises that their prayers to the Father in His name will be answered.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's experience in Corinth occurs during a time of significant growth and challenge for the early church, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and trust in God's presence. In John's Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials they will face in His absence, offering them hope and reassurance. Both readings share a common theme: the interplay between sorrow and joy, challenge and hope. Paul's courage in the face of opposition and Jesus' promise of joy and answered prayers remind us that our faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about trusting in God's plan and presence.
Applying these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that we all face struggles and sorrows. Yet, just as Paul continued his mission despite obstacles and just as the disciples found joy after their sorrow, we too can trust that our challenges will lead to deeper joy and growth. When we face opposition or hardship, we can draw strength from Paul's example and Jesus' promise. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us, even in the midst of trials. Let us approach life's challenges with courage and hope, trusting that our sorrow will be transformed into joy and that our prayers will be heard by the Father. In this way, we live out the assurance that God is always with us, guiding us through every moment.