Daily Readings - Fri May 17 2024

Acts

Chapter 24

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

Chapter 21

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

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, leadership, and divine providence. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's imprisonment and his appeal to Caesar, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his mission despite uncertainty. The Gospel from John presents Jesus restoring Peter, charging him with the care of His flock, emphasizing the importance of love and service in leadership. Both readings underscore the theme of trust in God's plan. Paul, though imprisoned, trusts in God's purpose, using his circumstances to further his mission. Peter, humbled by his past failures, is entrusted with a significant responsibility, illustrating that leadership is not about power but about serving with love and humility. These stories remind us that our challenges are part of a larger divine plan, calling us to persevere and trust in God's guidance. In our daily lives, we are invited to embrace our roles with faith and responsibility. Like Peter, we may face setbacks, but through repentance and trust, we can be restored and entrusted with meaningful tasks. Let us strive to lead with compassion and serve others, remembering that our true strength comes from trusting in God's providence. May we, like Paul and Peter, find the courage to follow God's will, even in uncertain times, and may our actions reflect the love and service that Jesus exemplified.