Daily Readings - Thu May 17 2018
Acts
30On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
John
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, faith, and divine presence amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, where he skillfully navigates the theological divide between Pharisees and Sadducees by affirming his belief in the resurrection. This act of faith sparks a heated debate, leading to Paul’s rescue by the Roman tribune. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reinforcing his mission to testify in Rome. This passage highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. Jesus petitions the Father that His disciples may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity, Jesus explains, is not merely for the sake of His immediate followers but for all who will come to believe through their testimony. Jesus’ prayer also expresses His desire that His disciples may share in the glory He has received from the Father and that they may experience the fullness of God’s love. This passage underscores the profound importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the boundless love that God has for us.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and relationships. Just as Paul faced division and hostility, we too may encounter challenges that test our faith and our resolve. Yet, like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and guidance. Similarly, Jesus’ prayer for unity challenges us to examine how we relate to one another. Are we instruments of unity and reconciliation, or do we contribute to division? Let us strive to be one in heart and mind, just as the Father and the Son are one. May we also deepen our awareness of God’s love for us, a love that transcends all boundaries and sustains us through every trial. In doing so, we not only bear witness to the power of faith but also become living reflections of the unity and love that Jesus prayed for on our behalf.