Daily Readings - Mon May 22 2023
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 guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's encounter with disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and through the laying on of hands, they experience the Spirit's descent, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying. This episode underscores the transition from John's baptism of repentance to the fullness of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, highlighting the Spirit's empowering role in the early church.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He acknowledges their growing faith but warns of impending scattering, reassuring them that He is never alone, as the Father is always with Him. Jesus offers these words to foster peace and confidence, reminding them that despite the world's challenges, He has already overcome them.
These readings connect through themes of the Holy Spirit and trust in God's presence. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers for mission, while in John, Jesus assures His disciples of peace and victory. Together, they invite us to embrace the Spirit's empowerment and trust in God's providence, even amidst life's trials.
In our daily lives, let us remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative power, seeking His guidance and strength. May we face challenges with the confidence that God is with us, granting us peace and overcoming the world's difficulties. This assurance calls us to live courageously, trusting in God's presence and promises.