Daily Readings - Mon May 30 2022
Acts
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7And all the men were about twelve.8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
John
29His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.31Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that illuminate the role of the Holy Spirit and the nature of faith amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts 19:1-8 describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. These disciples, followers of John the Baptist, were baptized only with John's baptism of repentance. Paul explains that John's baptism was a precursor to belief in Jesus, leading them to be baptized in Jesus' name. Through Paul's laying on of hands, they receive the Holy Spirit, manifesting in speaking in tongues and prophesying. This event highlights the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the progression of faith from preparation to fulfillment.
The Gospel reading from John 16:29-33 shifts focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where He assures His disciples of peace and victory despite impending challenges. The disciples acknowledge Jesus' divine origin, and He affirms their faith. Jesus forewarns them of scattering and isolation but reassures them of the Father's presence. He encourages them to have confidence, for He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in providing peace and the strength to face adversity.
Both readings converge on the Holy Spirit's transformative power. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers, while in John, the Spirit offers peace and reassurance. This duality reminds us to seek the Spirit's presence in our lives, embracing both empowerment and peace. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in God's support and recognize the stages of our faith journey, much like the disciples who moved from John's baptism to a deeper commitment to Jesus. Let us remain open to the Spirit's guidance, finding strength in our faith and peace amidst turmoil.