Daily Readings - Fri May 30 2025
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 guide us through times of challenge and offer hope. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 describes Paul's missionary journey in Corinth, where he receives a vision of encouragement from the Lord. Despite facing opposition from the Jews, Paul perseveres, and with the indifference of the proconsul Gallio, he continues his ministry. The passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Word of God, even amidst adversity. The Gospel from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus' discourse to His disciples, where He prepares them for the sorrow they will face after His departure. He reassures them that their grief will transform into joy, much like a woman's pain in childbirth gives way to the joy of new life. Jesus also promises that their prayers to the Father in His name will be answered.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul's experience in Corinth occurs during a time of significant growth and challenge for the early church, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and trust in God's presence. In John's Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials they will face in His absence, offering them hope and reassurance. Both readings share a common theme: the interplay between sorrow and joy, challenge and hope. Paul's courage in the face of opposition and Jesus' promise of joy and answered prayers remind us that our faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about trusting in God's plan and presence.
Applying these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that we all face struggles and sorrows. Yet, just as Paul continued his mission despite obstacles and just as the disciples found joy after their sorrow, we too can trust that our challenges will lead to deeper joy and growth. When we face opposition or hardship, we can draw strength from Paul's example and Jesus' promise. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us, even in the midst of trials. Let us approach life's challenges with courage and hope, trusting that our sorrow will be transformed into joy and that our prayers will be heard by the Father. In this way, we live out the assurance that God is always with us, guiding us through every moment.