Daily Readings - Sat May 25 2019
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
The first reading from Acts describes Paul's journey with Timothy and the early Christian community's efforts to spread the Gospel. Paul, recognizing Timothy's potential as a disciple, circumcises him to ease his acceptance among the Jewish communities they will visit. As they travel, they strengthen the Churches and face the Holy Spirit's guidance, redirecting their mission to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the Spirit's active role in shaping their mission.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' words to His disciples, warning them of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that because they are chosen and belong to Him, the world will persecute them, just as it persecuted Him. He reminds them that the servant is not greater than the master and that their fidelity to His word will be tested. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of steadfast faith in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ involves both mission and sacrifice. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to share the Gospel courageously, even when faced with obstacles. Jesus' words in John invite us to embrace our identity as His disciples, knowing that persecution or opposition may arise. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's guidance, remain faithful in challenging situations, and persevere in living out our faith. May we, like the early Christians, allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and may we endure any trials with the assurance that we belong to Christ.