Daily Readings - Sat May 13 2023
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 early Christian Church’s expansion and Jesus’ poignant words to His disciples. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul’s encounter with Timothy, a pivotal moment in his missionary journey. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, navigates the challenges of spreading the Gospel, demonstrating adaptability and obedience to God’s will. The Gospel from John captures Jesus preparing His disciples for the trials they will face, emphasizing that the world’s hatred stems from their allegiance to Him, not the world.
These passages, though distinct, intertwine in their themes of mission and persecution. Paul’s experiences illustrate the practical challenges of evangelization, while Jesus’ words in John provide the theological underpinning for understanding why such challenges arise. Together, they remind us that following Christ necessitates embracing both the mission and the potential for adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God’s guidance and remain steadfast in our faith. Just as Paul was open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we too can seek divine direction in our decisions and challenges. Jesus’ words remind us that our commitment to Him may draw opposition, but it is through perseverance that we bear witness to His love. Let us, therefore, approach each day with courage and trust, knowing that our faith is a beacon of hope in a world often hostile to the Gospel.