Daily Readings - Thu May 30 2019
Acts
1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
John
16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.17Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.19Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?20Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of God’s plan in our lives. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth. Despite facing opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, eventually turning to the Gentiles. His perseverance leads to the conversion of many, including Crispus, a synagogue leader, and his household. This passage reminds us that our faith must be resilient, even in the face of adversity, for God’s plan often unfolds in unexpected ways.
The Gospel from John 16:16-20 shifts our focus to Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his Passion. He speaks of a “little while” when they will not see him, followed by a time when they will see him again. The disciples are confused and saddened by these words, but Jesus assures them that their sorrow will turn to joy. This passage invites us to trust in God’s timing and to find hope in the midst of uncertainty. Just as the disciples would come to understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words after his Resurrection, we too can learn to see God’s plan unfolding in our lives, even when the path seems unclear.
These readings call us to embrace faith and perseverance in our daily lives. Like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast in our mission to share the Gospel, even when faced with challenges. Like the disciples, we are invited to trust in God’s plan, knowing that our sorrows will ultimately be transformed into joy. Let us ask for the grace to remain faithful, to trust in God’s timing, and to find hope in the promise of eternal life.