Daily Readings - Tue May 01 2018
Acts
19And 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.20Howbeit, 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.21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,22Confirming 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.23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27And 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.28And there they abode long time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the power of trust and perseverance in the face of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's resilience after being stoned, his continued missionary work, and the establishment of churches, highlighting the importance of community and leadership. The Gospel from John captures Jesus' assurance of peace and trust in God's plan, even as challenges loom.
Both readings emphasize trust in God amidst trials. Paul's perseverance despite persecution illustrates unwavering faith, while Jesus' words offer comfort, urging us not to be troubled but to trust in His peace. This trust is rooted in obedience to God's will, as Jesus demonstrates by following the Father's commandment.
In our daily lives, we face various struggles, but these readings encourage us to find peace in God. Like Paul, we can trust in God's plan and continue our journey with perseverance. Building strong faith communities, as Paul did, supports us in maintaining our faith. Jesus' peace, different from the world's, offers us calm amidst storms, reminding us to trust in God's providence.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and find peace in Him, even in adversity. By building supportive communities and trusting in God's will, we navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Let us embrace this trust, finding strength in our communities and peace in God's presence.