Daily Readings - Sat May 20 2023
Acts
23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
John
23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.26At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts tells us about Apollos, a Jewish Christian from Alexandria who was eloquent and well-versed in the Scriptures. Though he knew only the baptism of John, he preached about Jesus with fervor in the synagogue at Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who were also disciples, recognized his potential and took him aside to teach him more thoroughly about the Way of the Lord. With their guidance, Apollos became an even more effective preacher, especially among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the life of faith.
The Gospel reading from John is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples. Jesus assures them that they will no longer need to ask him for anything because they can ask the Father directly in his name. He promises that the Father will give them whatever they ask for, and their joy will be complete. Jesus also mentions that he will no longer speak in parables but will speak plainly to them. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and the trust that believers can place in the Father’s love and provision.
Both readings remind us of the importance of prayer and the support of the Christian community. In the first reading, Apollos’ growth as a preacher was made possible by the guidance of Priscilla and Aquila, showing that none of us can grow in faith alone. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to approach the Father with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered. These readings call us to deepen our prayer life and to seek the support of others in our journey of faith. May we, like Apollos, remain humble and open to learning, and may we, like the disciples, trust in the Father’s love and provision.