Daily Readings - Mon Jun 03 2019
Acts
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7And all the men were about twelve.8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
John
29His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.31Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells the story of Paul encountering a group of disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized by John the Baptist but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul explains the difference between John's baptism of repentance and the baptism in the name of Jesus, leading them to receive the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights the transition from the preparatory role of John the Baptist to the fullness of life in Christ through the Holy Spirit. It also shows Paul's missionary zeal and the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for witness and service.
The Gospel from John 16 finds Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He assures them that even though they will face scattering and difficulties, they can have peace because He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes trust in God’s providence and the peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has already triumphed over all challenges. It invites believers to place their confidence in God, even in the midst of trials.
Both readings remind us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need to trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace the Spirit’s presence, which equips us to face challenges with courage and faith. Just as Paul guided the Ephesian disciples to receive the Spirit, we too can open ourselves to the Spirit’s gifts. And just as Jesus assured His disciples of peace, we can find peace in Him, knowing that He has overcome the world. Let us live with confidence, trusting in God’s love and providence, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in all we do.