Daily Readings - Tue May 15 2018
Acts
17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
John
1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.10And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound expressions of devotion, commitment, and unity. The first reading from Acts 20:17-27 presents St. Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Paul reflects on his ministry with humility and gratitude, acknowledging the challenges he faced, including betrayals and trials. Yet, he remains steadfast in his mission, declaring that he has fulfilled his duty to preach the Gospel without holding back. He entrusts the elders with the care of the Church, reminding them that they are witnesses to his faithfulness. Paul’s words are a testament to his selfless dedication to spreading the Word of God, even in the face of impending suffering.
The Gospel reading from John 17:1-11a shifts our focus to Jesus’ prayer to the Father before His Passion. Jesus asks for glorification so that He may glorify the Father and fulfill His mission to give eternal life to all. He expresses joy in having completed the work entrusted to Him and prays for His disciples, asking that they may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This prayer is a beautiful expression of Jesus’ desire for unity among His followers and His trust in the Father’s plan. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to know and love God, and to live in harmony with one another as children of God.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith. Like St. Paul, we are called to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, even when the path is difficult. Jesus’ prayer, meanwhile, challenges us to strive for unity in our relationships and to trust in God’s plan for our lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ? Are we working to build unity and understanding in our communities? May we draw strength from the examples of Paul and Jesus, and may we, like them, surrender our lives to God’s will, trusting that He will guide us through every trial.