Daily Readings - Sat Jun 01 2019
Acts
23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
John
23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.26At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul’s missionary journey through Galatia and Phrygia, where he strengthens the disciples. It also introduces Apollos, a learned and zealous preacher who knows only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila take him aside and explain the Way of the Lord more thoroughly, after which Apollos becomes a powerful advocate for the faith, publicly proving that Jesus is the Christ. This passage highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the ongoing process of deepening one’s understanding of the faith.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus speaking to his disciples about the power of prayer in his name. He promises that the Father will grant their requests, and their joy will be complete. Jesus also hints at the transition that is about to occur—his departure from the world and return to the Father. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and the disciples’ new relationship with the Father through Jesus. It invites us to trust in the power of prayer and to live in the joy and love that come from knowing we are beloved by God.
Both readings remind us that our faith is not static; it requires growth, guidance, and trust in God’s providence. Just as Apollos needed Priscilla and Aquila to deepen his understanding, we all need mentors and community to help us grow in faith. Similarly, just as Jesus teaches us to pray in his name, we are called to trust in the Father’s love and provision. Let us ask for what we need with confidence, knowing that our joy will be complete when we live in harmony with God’s will. May we, like Apollos, be zealous in sharing the Good News, and may we, like the disciples, find strength in prayer and in the knowledge of God’s love.