Daily Readings - Thu May 09 2024
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on perseverance, trust in God’s plan, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18 describes Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth, where he faces both opposition and opportunity. Despite being rejected by some, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, and through his efforts, many come to believe in Christ. The Gospel from John 16 presents Jesus comforting his disciples with the promise that their sorrow will turn into joy, even as he prepares to leave them.
These readings are deeply connected. Paul’s experience in Corinth mirrors the disciples’ experience of loss and confusion. Just as Paul trusted in God’s providence despite setbacks, the disciples are called to trust in Jesus’ promise that their sorrow is not permanent. Both narratives remind us that our faith journey is not without challenges, but it is in these moments of uncertainty that we are invited to deepen our trust in God’s plan.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt or rejection, just like Paul and the disciples. Yet, these readings encourage us to persevere, knowing that God’s plan unfolds in ways we may not fully understand. Jesus’ promise that sorrow will turn into joy reminds us to hold onto hope, even in the midst of difficulty. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s timing? How can I share the joy of the Gospel, even when it feels challenging? May we, like Paul, remain steadfast in our mission and, like the disciples, find comfort in the promise that our sorrow will be transformed into eternal joy.