Daily Readings - Thu Jun 06 2019
Acts
30On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
John
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments that invite us to reflect on faith, unity, and the presence of God in our lives. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s trial before the Sanhedrin, where he cleverly exploits the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees to create a division among his accusers. This strategic move not only highlights Paul’s cunning but also underscores his unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of danger. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reassuring him and calling him to perseverance, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God’s presence and guidance are always with us.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ heartfelt prayer for unity among his disciples and all those who would come to believe in him through their word. Jesus longs for his followers to be one, just as he and the Father are one, so that the world may recognize the divine love that binds them together. This prayer is not just a plea for harmony but a profound revelation of the Trinitarian love that flows between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It invites us to reflect on how we live out this unity in our own lives, whether in our relationships, our communities, or our witness to the world.
These readings remind us that our faith is both a source of strength in the face of challenges and a call to unity in a fragmented world. Just as Paul trusted in God’s plan despite the trials he faced, we too are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And just as Jesus prayed for unity, we are challenged to work toward oneness in our own lives—whether in our families, our parishes, or our broader communities. May we allow the love of God to flow through us, uniting us in purpose and witness, so that the world may see the glory of God shining through us.