Daily Readings - Sat May 11 2024
Acts
23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
John
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.24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.25These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.26At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of prayer in our journey of faith. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul continuing his missionary work, strengthening the disciples as he travels through Galatia and Phrygia. We also meet Apollos, a passionate and knowledgeable teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of the Gospel. This passage highlights the early Christian community’s reliance on teamwork and shared wisdom to spread the message of Christ. Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the intimate relationship between Himself and the Father, encouraging His disciples to pray in His name. He assures them that the Father loves them and that their joy will be complete when they ask in faith.
Both readings emphasize unity and trust in God’s plan. In Acts, we see how even the most zealous among us can benefit from guidance and correction, illustrating that no one has all the answers alone. This reflects the Church’s reliance on the collective wisdom of its members and the importance of humility in learning from one another. In John’s Gospel, Jesus invites His disciples into a deeper relationship with the Father, promising that their prayers will be heard and answered. This is not just about asking for things but about fostering a connection rooted in love and trust.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our own lives. Do we seek guidance from others, or do we try to go it alone? Are we open to learning and growing in our faith, even when it means being corrected or challenged? And when we pray, do we approach God with confidence, knowing that He loves us and desires our joy? Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and trust that these readings inspire. May we, like Apollos and the early disciples, be humble enough to learn from one another and bold enough to ask the Father for what we need, trusting that He will provide. In doing so, we will not only deepen our relationship with God but also find the joy and strength we need to live out our faith with courage and love.