Daily Readings - Fri May 11 2018
Acts
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."11So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.13"This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."14Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.15But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."16So he had them ejected from the court.17Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.18Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.
John
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The first reading from Acts tells us about St. Paul’s missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing opposition from the Jews, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, encouraged by a vision from the Lord. The Lord assures him, “Do not be afraid. I am with you, and no one will harm you, for I have many people in this city who are mine.” Paul’s courage and trust in God’s providence allow him to continue teaching and spreading the Word of God, even in the face of persecution. The reading reminds us that our faith is not immune to challenges, but with God’s grace, we can overcome them.
The Gospel from John complements this message of trust and hope. Jesus tells His disciples that they will experience sorrow and weeping, but their sorrow will be transformed into joy. He compares this to a woman in childbirth, who endures pain but forgets it once she holds her newborn in her arms. Jesus promises that the disciples’ sorrow will turn to joy when they see Him again. This passage invites us to reflect on the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal joy that awaits us when we remain faithful to God’s plan. Just as Paul trusted in God’s presence and protection, we too can find strength in knowing that our trials are not without purpose.
These readings encourage us to embrace the ups and downs of life with faith and hope. Like Paul, we may face opposition or uncertainty, but God is always with us, guiding us and giving us the courage to persevere. Like the disciples, we may experience sorrow, but we can trust that it will be transformed into joy if we remain faithful. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I experiencing challenges or sorrow in my life? How can I trust in God’s presence and promises more deeply? May we, like Paul, remain steadfast in our mission and, like the disciples, hold onto the hope of eternal joy.