Daily Readings - Tue May 26 2020
Acts
17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
John
1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.10And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and leadership. Paul, in Acts, bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry with humility and courage, despite the trials he faces. He entrusts them with the responsibility of leading the flock, emphasizing his commitment to spreading the Gospel. In John's Gospel, Jesus, in His final prayer, seeks glory not for Himself, but to glorify the Father, ensuring His disciples are united and protected in a world filled with challenges.
Both Paul and Jesus are deeply concerned with the well-being of their followers. Paul, nearing the end of his journey, knows the elders must step forward, just as Jesus, in His final moments, prays for the unity of His disciples. Their focus is not on their own fate but on the spiritual safety and unity of those they leave behind. This shared concern highlights the importance of community and leadership in our faith journey.
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded of the importance of living our faith with commitment and perseverance. Just as Paul and Jesus entrusted others with the mission, we too are called to nurture and protect our communities. Let us strive for unity and support one another, embracing our challenges with courage. In doing so, we honor God and fulfill our role as faithful stewards of His message.