Daily Readings - Thu May 16 2024
Acts
30On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.7And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
John
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments that invite us to reflect on unity and perseverance. From Acts, we see Paul standing before the Sanhedrin, skillfully navigating the theological tensions between Pharisees and Sadducees. By declaring himself a Pharisee, Paul sparks a division that ultimately leads to his protection. This episode highlights Paul's cunning and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the divine assurance he receives from Christ, urging him to remain steadfast in his mission.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers a prayer that stands in contrast to the division Paul exploited. Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. This prayer is not merely for the disciples present but for all who would come to believe through their testimony. Jesus longs for a unity that reflects the divine love and glory shared between the Father and the Son, a unity that transcends the divisions of this world.
These readings invite us to consider how we navigate the tensions and divisions of our own lives. Like Paul, we may face challenges that require courage and wisdom, but we are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's providence. At the same time, Jesus' prayer reminds us that our ultimate goal is unity, not division. In a world often marked by discord, we are to be instruments of unity, reflecting the love of the Father and the Son. May we strive to live in such a way that the world may believe in the One who sent us, and may we find strength in the knowledge that we are never alone in this mission.