Daily Readings - Sat May 15 2021
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:23-28 recounts Paul's missionary travels and introduces Apollo, a zealous teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of Christianity. This passage highlights the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The Gospel from John 16:23b-28 features Jesus discussing the power of prayer in His name, promising joy and assurance that the Father will grant our requests. He also speaks of His departure and return to the Father, emphasizing the disciples' direct relationship with God.
These readings, though from different contexts, are interconnected through themes of evangelism and prayer. Acts illustrates the active spreading of faith, while John's Gospel underscores the spiritual foundation of prayer that sustains such efforts. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is both outward in mission and inward in personal relationship with God.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to actively share our faith and nurture it through prayer. Just as Apollo and Paul relied on their communities for support, we too can grow in faith by learning from others and deepening our prayer life. Jesus' promise that our joy will be full when we pray in His name invites us to trust in God's providence. Let us embrace both the mission of spreading the Gospel and the intimacy of prayer, allowing these elements to enrich our daily lives and draw us closer to God.