Daily Readings - Wed Jun 04 2025
Acts
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
John
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.12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Acts depicts Paul's poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders, as he prepares them for his departure. Paul, aware of the challenges ahead, urges the elders to guard the flock, warning them against false teachers and commending them to God's care. This scene underscores Paul's deep commitment to the Church and his trust in God's providence.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus in prayer, seeking protection and sanctification for His disciples. Jesus, on the eve of His Passion, prays that His followers may be unified and set apart for their mission in the world. This prayer highlights Jesus' role as the divine Shepherd, who sends His disciples into the world, just as He was sent, to continue His work.
Both readings emphasize the themes of leadership, protection, and mission. Paul and Jesus exemplify true leadership by entrusting others to carry on their work. They remind us that our faith is not for isolation but for engagement with the world. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's plan and persevering in our mission to spread His word. Let us draw strength from these readings, embracing our role in the Body of Christ, and trust in God's grace to guide and protect us.