Daily Readings - Thu May 18 2023
Acts
1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
John
16A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.17Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.19Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?20Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts tells us about Paul’s ministry in Corinth, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish exiles from Rome, and works with them as tentmakers. Despite facing opposition in the synagogue, Paul remains steadfast in preaching the Gospel, and many Corinthians come to believe and are baptized. The reading highlights Paul’s resilience and trust in God’s plan, even in the face of rejection. The Gospel from John presents Jesus comforting his disciples with the promise that though they will mourn his departure, their sorrow will turn to joy. Jesus is preparing them for his return to the Father and the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them in his absence.
Both readings speak to the theme of transition and trust in God’s plan. In Acts, Paul’s ministry shifts from the synagogue to the Gentiles, showing how God’s plan unfolds even when human efforts seem to fail. In John, Jesus assures his disciples that his departure is not an end but a new beginning, one that will bring them joy beyond their current sorrow. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in trust, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of transition or rejection, just like Paul and the disciples. These readings invite us to embrace such moments with faith, knowing that God is always at work. Like Paul, we can remain steadfast in our mission, even when faced with opposition. And like the disciples, we can trust that our sorrow will be transformed into joy, not because the pain disappears, but because God’s presence remains with us. Let us, therefore, approach life’s challenges with courage and hope, trusting that God’s plan will bring light out of darkness and joy out of sorrow.