Daily Readings - Sat May 20 2017
First Reading - Acts 16.1-10
Acts
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Gospel - John 15.18-21
John
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the journey of faith and the challenges that come with following God’s will. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul and his companions traveling through various regions, spreading the Gospel. They face obstacles, such as being prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in certain areas, but they remain faithful and attentive to God’s guidance. The vision of the man from Macedonia calling for help leads them to a new mission field, showing us that God often redirects our paths for greater purposes. This passage reminds us that our plans are not always God’s plans, and true discipleship requires flexibility and trust in divine providence.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the reality of persecution and hatred from the world. He reminds them that they are not of the world, and because of this, the world will hate them. This hatred, however, is not without purpose. Jesus assures them that if they keep His word, they will be strengthened to endure. This teaching applies to us today, as we often face challenges for living according to God’s truth. Jesus is not promising us an easy life but a life of fidelity and courage, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.
These readings are deeply connected. Paul’s missionary journey in Acts shows us what it looks like to live out Jesus’ words in the Gospel. Despite facing opposition and uncertainty, Paul and his companions remain faithful, trusting that God is guiding them. For us, this means that when we face difficulties or feel hated for our beliefs, we can draw strength from the same Spirit that guided Paul. Our faith is not a shield from suffering but a source of hope and perseverance. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, no matter the cost.