Daily Readings - Wed Jun 04 2025
Acts
28Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;30and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.32And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.33I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.35In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"36And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.37And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,38being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
John
11And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.12While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.13But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Acts depicts Paul's poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders, as he prepares them for his departure. Paul, aware of the challenges ahead, urges the elders to guard the flock, warning them against false teachers and commending them to God's care. This scene underscores Paul's deep commitment to the Church and his trust in God's providence.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus in prayer, seeking protection and sanctification for His disciples. Jesus, on the eve of His Passion, prays that His followers may be unified and set apart for their mission in the world. This prayer highlights Jesus' role as the divine Shepherd, who sends His disciples into the world, just as He was sent, to continue His work.
Both readings emphasize the themes of leadership, protection, and mission. Paul and Jesus exemplify true leadership by entrusting others to carry on their work. They remind us that our faith is not for isolation but for engagement with the world. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's plan and persevering in our mission to spread His word. Let us draw strength from these readings, embracing our role in the Body of Christ, and trust in God's grace to guide and protect us.