Daily Readings - Sat Jun 04 2022
Acts
16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.19But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.30And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
John
20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons of faith and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s time under house arrest in Rome, where despite his confinement, he continued to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication. The second reading from John’s Gospel shows Peter’s curiosity about the fate of another disciple, to which Jesus responds by reminding Peter to focus on his own calling rather than comparing himself to others. Both passages invite us to reflect on perseverance, trust, and living out our unique mission in life.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian community’s struggles and uncertainties. Paul, though imprisoned, remained a tireless witness to the truth, using even his captivity as an opportunity to share the Good News. Similarly, in John’s Gospel, the disciples were grappling with their roles in the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ response to Peter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan and not being distracted by the journey of others. These scenes remind us that our faith is not about comparing ourselves to others but about faithfully following God’s will for our own lives.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace perseverance and trust. Like Paul, we may face challenges or limitations, but we are always called to remain faithful and to use every situation as an opportunity to share God’s love. Like Peter, we may be tempted to look at others and wonder about their path, but Jesus reminds us to focus on our own journey. Let us ask ourselves: Am I staying true to my calling? Am I trusting in God’s plan, even when the road ahead is uncertain? May we, like Paul and the disciples, find the strength to follow Jesus without hesitation, knowing that our unique mission is part of a larger story that only God can see.