Daily Readings - Wed May 16 2018
Acts
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
John
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.12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts and the Gospel from John both speak to the themes of protection, guidance, and the mission of believers in the world. In Acts, Paul bids farewell to the elders of Ephesus, urging them to care for the flock entrusted to them and to remain vigilant against false teachers. He reminds them that the Church is God’s own possession, purchased at a great price, and that their role is to serve and support one another. Paul’s words are both a warning and an encouragement, emphasizing the importance of living out the faith with integrity and generosity. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for his disciples, asking the Father to protect and sanctify them. He acknowledges that while they are in the world, they are not of the world, and he commissions them to continue his mission. Jesus’ prayer is a profound expression of his love and concern for those who follow him, ensuring that they are equipped to live as his witnesses in a world that often opposes them.
Both readings highlight the tension between being in the world and being set apart for God’s purposes. Paul’s farewell speech and Jesus’ prayer remind us that believers are called to live with a sense of responsibility and purpose. We are not here to pursue our own interests or to blend in with the world, but to serve others and to bear witness to God’s truth. This requires us to be vigilant, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain faithful even in the face of challenges. The readings also emphasize the importance of community and mutual support. Just as Paul exhorts the elders to care for one another, and just as Jesus prays for the unity and sanctification of his disciples, we too are called to live in harmony and to uphold one another in our shared mission.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I fulfilling my role in the Body of Christ? Am I living as a light in the world, or am I allowing the world to shape me instead? Let us strive to remain faithful to God’s word, to serve others with generosity and love, and to trust in his protection and guidance. May we, like Paul and the disciples, embrace our calling with courage and humility, knowing that we are not alone but are part of a greater community sanctified and sent into the world for the sake of God’s kingdom.