Daily Readings - Wed May 19 2021
Acts
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
John
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.12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of leadership and devotion. The first reading from Acts 20:28-38 captures Paul's heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus. Paul, aware of his impending departure, urges the leaders to vigilantly care for the flock, warning them against false teachers and encouraging them to support the weak. His words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," underscore the selfless service expected of them. The emotional farewell, marked by tears and embraces, highlights the deep bond between Paul and the community.
The Gospel reading from John 17:11b-19 presents Jesus' prayer for his disciples. Jesus asks the Father to protect and unify them, acknowledging that while they are in the world, they are not of it. He sanctifies himself for their sake, ensuring they are set apart in truth. This prayer, uttered on the eve of his passion, reflects Jesus' deep concern for his followers' well-being and unity in the face of a hostile world.
Both readings emphasize themes of protection, leadership, and the challenges of living as God's people in a world often hostile to faith. Paul and Jesus exemplify the shepherd's role, guiding and guarding their flocks. Their messages remind us of the importance of unity and trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to embrace community and mutual support, to be vigilant against false influences, and to trust in God's protective care. As we navigate life's challenges, may we draw strength from the unity and truth that bind us, striving to live as sanctified individuals in a world that often misunderstands our values. Let us remember that true leadership and community are rooted in selfless love and devotion, reflecting the heart of Christ.