Daily Readings - Fri May 26 2023

Acts

27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
13And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

John

15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Sermon

The first reading from Acts and the Gospel of John present us with two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, leadership, and the call to follow Christ. In the first reading, we see Paul, a prisoner of faith, caught in the midst of political and religious tensions. Festus, the Roman governor, seeks to navigate the complexities of Paul’s case, unsure of how to resolve the disputes between the Jewish leaders and this man who speaks of a risen Jesus. The reading highlights the challenges of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with uncertainty and opposition. Paul’s situation reminds us that living out our faith can sometimes lead to trials, but it is in these moments that our commitment to the truth is tested and refined. In the Gospel, we encounter a deeply personal and emotional exchange between Jesus and Peter. After the Resurrection, Jesus meets Peter by the shore and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” This exchange is not merely about testing Peter’s devotion but about restoring him after his earlier betrayal. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus commissions him to “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep,” entrusting him with the care of His people. This dialogue is a profound reminder that our love for Christ is not abstract but must be lived out in service to others. Peter’s calling to leadership, despite his flaws, shows us that God’s grace can transform our weaknesses into strengths when we surrender to His will. Both readings call us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we are invited to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God’s plan is at work even when we cannot see it. Like Peter, we are called to love Christ deeply and to express that love through service to others. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are all called to “feed His sheep” by sharing His love, compassion, and truth. Today, let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in the midst of life’s trials? How am I serving others as Christ has served me? May we, like Paul and Peter, trust in God’s grace and follow Him faithfully, even when the path is uncertain.