Daily Readings - Thu May 20 2021
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 profound moments that invite us to reflect on unity and faith. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's trial, where he cleverly exploits the theological differences between Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to a division that forces Roman intervention. This scene highlights Paul's strategic defense, rooted in his deep understanding of Jewish sects. The second reading, from John's Gospel, presents Jesus' heartfelt prayer for the unity of His disciples, emphasizing their oneness with Him and the Father. This prayer underscores the divine desire for harmony among believers.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the pursuit of unity amidst diversity. Paul's situation reveals the challenges of division, while Jesus' prayer offers a vision of unity. Together, they remind us that unity is not about uniformity but about a shared commitment to faith and love. Just as Jesus prayed for His disciples, we are called to strive for unity in our own communities, recognizing that our differences can be a strength when united in purpose.
In our daily lives, this means seeking common ground, embracing diversity, and fostering love. Let us, like Jesus, pray for unity and work towards it, understanding that it is a divine gift that enriches our shared journey of faith.