Daily Readings - Fri Jun 06 2025

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 leadership, faith, and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's imprisonment and his appeal to Caesar, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his faith despite the challenges he faces. The second reading from John's Gospel presents a poignant moment where Jesus restores Peter's role as a leader, charging him to care for His flock, symbolizing redemption and responsibility. Both readings emphasize the importance of trust and responsibility. Paul's situation illustrates trust in God's providence, even in uncertain circumstances, while Peter's encounter with Jesus underscores the responsibility that comes with leadership and faith. These themes are interconnected, reminding us that our trust in God must be accompanied by active engagement in our duties and responsibilities. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same trust and responsibility. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we are invited to trust in God's plan and to take on the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Just as Peter was given the task to feed Jesus' sheep, we too are called to care for one another and to serve with love and compassion. Let us embrace our roles with faith, trusting that God will guide us through life's challenges, and strive to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities He has given us.