Daily Readings - Wed May 24 2023
Acts
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
John
11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of farewell and prayer, each offering insights into the nature of spiritual leadership and community. The first reading from Acts 20:28-38 captures Paul’s poignant farewell to the elders of Ephesus. As he prepares to leave, Paul warns them of impending challenges, both from outside and within, urging vigilance and faithfulness. He emphasizes the importance of selflessness and service, reminding them that true fulfillment comes not from material wealth but from giving. The scene closes with a heartfelt prayer and the elders’ sorrow at his departure, highlighting the deep bonds forged through shared faith.
The Gospel from John 17:11b-19 presents Jesus’ high priestly prayer, where He intercedes for His disciples. Jesus prays for their protection and unity, asking the Father to sanctify them in truth. He acknowledges the challenges they will face in the world but seeks not their removal from it, rather their preservation from evil. This prayer underscores Jesus’ deep concern for His followers’ well-being and their mission to live according to God’s truth in a world often hostile to it.
These readings intertwine themes of protection, unity, and mission. Both Paul and Jesus emphasize the importance of community and vigilance in the face of adversity. Paul’s farewell and Jesus’ prayer remind us that our faith is not solitary but lived within a supportive and watchful community. In our daily lives, we are called to support one another, remain vigilant against spiritual threats, and trust in God’s protective grace. We are to embody selflessness and service, recognizing that our true strength lies in unity and faith.
As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of the enduring importance of living as a community of faith. We are to be sanctified in truth, living out our mission in the world with courage and integrity. May we, like Paul and Jesus, prioritize the well-being of others, trust in God’s protection, and find fulfillment in giving and serving. In doing so, we embody the moral lesson of these readings: that our faith is a shared journey of love, service, and trust in God’s providence.