Daily Readings - Fri May 10 2024
Acts
9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,13Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.14And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:15But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.16And he drave them from the judgment seat.17Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.18And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
John
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.21A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.22And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that remind us of the enduring presence of God amidst trials and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul’s missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing persecution and opposition from the Jews, Paul receives a vision from the Lord, who assures him of divine protection and the presence of many who are faithful. This assurance emboldens Paul to continue his mission, teaching the Word of God for an extended period. The reading concludes with Paul’s eventual departure, leaving behind a community strengthened in faith. This passage highlights the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of trusting in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus’ words of comfort to His disciples. He speaks of a time when they will experience sorrow, but this sorrow will be transformed into joy, much like a woman who endures the pain of childbirth but then rejoices at the birth of her child. Jesus promises that their hearts will rejoice when they see Him again and that no one will take that joy away. This passage invites us to reflect on the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal promise of joy that comes from union with Christ.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is also filled with hope and promise. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s presence and continue our mission of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Like the disciples, we are assured that our sorrows will be turned into joy when we remain faithful and united to Christ. In our daily lives, let us embrace the trials we face with courage and hope, knowing that God is with us and that our ultimate joy is rooted in Him. May we, like Paul, persevere in our faith and may we, like the disciples, find our hearts filled with the joy that only Christ can give.