Daily Readings - Tue May 21 2019
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 encounter two powerful reflections on faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Acts describes the challenges faced by Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rises, continues his mission, and strengthens the faith of the early Christian communities. This passage reminds us that following Christ is not without its trials, but through faith, we find the strength to endure and even flourish amidst adversity. The Gospel from John offers a message of peace and trust. Jesus reassures his disciples that though he is leaving them, his peace remains with them—a peace that the world cannot give. He encourages them to trust in God’s plan, knowing that the Father is greater than all, and that even in the face of challenges, God’s love and commandments guide us.
Both readings are deeply connected by the theme of trust and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Paul’s courage in the face of physical and spiritual trials mirrors the trust Jesus asks of his disciples. Just as Paul and Barnabas relied on God to sustain them in their missionary work, Jesus invites us to rely on his peace and the Father’s love, even when the world seems overwhelming. These readings remind us that our faith is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with courage and hope, knowing that God is always with us.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect on how we respond to challenges. Do we let fear or doubt take root, or do we trust in God’s plan and find peace in his presence? Like Paul, we are called to rise again after every fall, to continue our journey of faith, and to strengthen one another in the process. Like the disciples, we are reminded that true peace comes not from the world but from Christ. Let us strive to live with this peace, trusting that even in the midst of tribulations, God’s love and grace will see us through. May we, like Paul and the early Christians, remain steadfast in our faith and share the joy of the Gospel with others.