Daily Readings - Tue May 16 2017
First Reading - Acts 14.19-28
Acts
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.And there they abode long time with the disciples.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles recounts the perseverance of St. Paul and Barnabas as they faced intense persecution during their missionary journey. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rose, continued preaching, and strengthened the faith of the early Christian communities. This passage highlights the resilience of the apostles and their unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of suffering. It also reminds us that the journey of faith is not without its trials, but through them, God’s grace sustains us and leads us to deeper trust in His plan.
The reading invites us to reflect on the cost of discipleship. Just as Paul and Barnabas endured hardships to proclaim the Good News, we too are called to remain faithful in the face of challenges. The early Christians were exhorted to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that the kingdom of God is entered through many tribulations. This truth is timeless. In our own lives, we may encounter struggles, whether personal, spiritual, or relational. Yet, like the apostles, we are called to trust in God’s providence and to persevere, knowing that our trials are opportunities to grow in holiness and to bear witness to the power of faith.
As we apply this to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where are we being called to persevere? How can we, like Paul and Barnabas, trust in God’s plan even when the path seems uncertain or difficult? The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not about avoiding suffering but about trusting God in the midst of it. May we, like the early disciples, find strength in prayer, in the sacraments, and in the support of our Christian community. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that through our trials, God is shaping us and preparing us for the eternal kingdom He has promised.