Daily Readings - Tue Jun 03 2025
Acts
17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
John
1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.7Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.10And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and unity. The first reading from Acts 20:17-27 captures Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Paul reflects on his ministry, acknowledging the trials he faced and his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. He expresses his readiness to face future challenges in Jerusalem, emphasizing that his life’s purpose is to complete the mission entrusted to him by God. This passage highlights Paul’s courage and dedication, setting an example for all believers to remain faithful despite adversity.
The Gospel reading from John 17:1-11a presents Jesus in a moment of intimate prayer with the Father. Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all who will believe through their testimony. He petitions for unity among believers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. This prayer underscores the divine desire for harmony and oneness among all Christians, a unity that reflects the love and unity within the Trinity.
These readings intertwine themes of unity and perseverance. Paul’s address and Jesus’ prayer both emphasize the importance of remaining faithful and united. Paul’s commitment to his mission despite trials mirrors Jesus’ prayer for unity, illustrating that our faith must be lived out in harmony with others. In our daily lives, we are called to strive for unity, supporting one another and working towards common goals. Just as Jesus prayed for us, we should pray for the unity of our communities and the Church, emulating the oneness of the Father and the Son.
The moral lesson here is clear: unity and perseverance are essential in our walk of faith. As Paul faced challenges with courage, so too can we face our own trials with resilience. Jesus’ prayer reminds us that our unity is a reflection of God’s love. Let us commit to fostering harmony in our relationships and communities, just as Jesus desired. Through prayer and mutual support, we can overcome any challenge, united in our faith and purpose.