Daily Readings - Tue May 04 2021
Acts
19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.28And there they abode long time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, perseverance, and the peace that comes from trusting in God. The first reading from Acts recounts the trials of Paul and Barnabas as they spread the Gospel. Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul rises again to continue his mission, strengthening the disciples and establishing communities of faith. This passage reminds us that the journey of following Christ is not without its challenges, but it is through these trials that we grow in faith and deepen our commitment to the Lord. The second reading from John’s Gospel offers a message of peace and trust. Jesus reassures his disciples that though he must leave them, he leaves them with a peace that the world cannot give. He encourages them to trust in his love and to remain faithful, knowing that he is always with them.
These readings are deeply connected in their themes of trust, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith. Paul’s resilience in the face of persecution mirrors Jesus’ own trust in the Father’s will, even as he faced the cross. Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges in our own lives. Do we allow fear or doubt to overwhelm us, or do we draw strength from the peace and love that Christ offers? The readings remind us that our faith is not a shield from suffering but a source of strength to endure it with hope and courage.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain? How can I, like Paul, rise above setbacks and continue to serve others with joy and perseverance? And how can I, like the disciples, receive the peace that Christ offers and share it with a world in need? May these readings inspire us to live with greater faith, deeper trust, and a heart open to the will of God. Let us remember that the peace of Christ is not the absence of trials but the presence of God in the midst of them.