Daily Readings - Sat May 05 2018
Acts
1Then 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:2Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3Him 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.4And 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.5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.9And 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.10And 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.
John
18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.19If 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.20Remember 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.21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding our mission as followers of Christ. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul's missionary journey, highlighting his adaptability and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Paul circumcises Timothy to facilitate their mission among the Jews, demonstrating his willingness to take necessary steps for the Gospel's sake. Despite facing closed doors in certain regions, Paul remains attentive to the Spirit's guidance, leading him to Macedonia through a vision. This passage underscores the importance of discernment and flexibility in our own journeys of faith.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus' words about the world's hatred towards His disciples. Jesus clarifies that this hatred stems from our status as outsiders in the world, chosen by Him to be different. He reminds us that persecution is inevitable, just as He experienced, but assures us that those who keep His word will also keep ours. This passage invites us to embrace our identity as disciples, recognizing that our commitment to Christ may lead to challenges but also to profound witness.
These readings intertwine by emphasizing our call to follow God's will faithfully, even amidst adversity. Like Paul, we must listen to the Spirit's prompting and adapt our paths as needed. Like the disciples, we must embrace our role as outsiders in the world, enduring hardships with the assurance of Christ's presence. In our daily lives, this means remaining open to God's leading, whether through unexpected opportunities or through perseverance in difficult circumstances. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, and He will guide us where we are needed most. Let us, therefore, walk in faith, ready to serve and witness, trusting that God's will prevails.