Daily Readings - Thu Jun 05 2025
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of unity, faith, and God's plan. The first reading from Acts presents Paul standing before the Sanhedrin, where he cleverly exploits the theological divide between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to his rescue by Roman soldiers. This scene underscores the complexities of human conflict and the ways in which even in turmoil, God's providence can prevail. The second reading, from John's Gospel, offers a stark contrast as Jesus prays for the unity of his disciples, expressing his deep desire for oneness among those who follow him.
The context of these readings reveals the tension between division and unity. In Acts, Paul's trial highlights the fractured state of the Jewish leadership, with the Sadducees and Pharisees holding opposing beliefs about the resurrection and the afterlife. This division creates chaos, but it also allows Paul to be saved from potential harm. In John's Gospel, Jesus' prayer for unity takes place on the eve of his Passion, emphasizing the importance of harmony among believers as they face the challenges of the world. While the first reading shows the reality of division, the second reading offers a vision of the unity that God desires for his people.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the tensions between division and unity in our own lives. Like Paul, we may find ourselves in situations where differences of opinion or belief lead to conflict. Yet, even in such moments, God's plan can unfold in unexpected ways. Like Jesus, we are called to pray for unity, not just for ourselves, but for all those who will come to believe in him through us. This unity is not about uniformity of thought or the absence of challenges, but about being one in heart and mind, grounded in our shared faith in God.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us strive to be instruments of unity in a world often marked by division. Let us pray for the grace to see beyond our differences and to work toward harmony in our relationships and communities. May we trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, and may we always remember that our ultimate unity comes from God, who loves us and desires that we be one in him.