Daily Readings - Sat May 21 2022
Acts
1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:2Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.4And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.10And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
John
18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we journey through the missionary travels of Paul and reflect on the profound words of Jesus regarding persecution and discipleship. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a young disciple with a mixed Jewish and Gentile background. Paul, recognizing Timothy’s potential, circumcises him to facilitate their mission among the Jews. Together, they travel through various regions, guided by the Holy Spirit, who redirects their efforts to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church’s reliance on the Spirit’s guidance and the importance of adapting to God’s will, even when it means changing plans. The Church grows in faith and number, showing the fruitfulness of their obedience.
The Gospel from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus’ words about the world’s hatred for His followers. Jesus reminds us that persecution is inevitable because the world does not know God. As disciples, we are not of the world, and this sets us apart. Jesus’ warning is not meant to instill fear but to prepare us for the challenges of living out our faith. He assures us that as the world hated Him, it will hate us, but we are not without hope or strength. The same Spirit that guided Paul and Timothy empowers us today to endure and to witness to God’s love.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journey of faith. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when the path is uncertain. Like the disciples, we are reminded that our faith will often set us apart from the world, and this may bring challenges. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and equips us to live as witnesses of God’s love. Let us embrace this calling with courage and trust, knowing that God’s plan is always greater than our own. May we, like the early Church, grow in faith and number, and may our lives bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.