Daily Readings - Thu May 17 2018
Acts
30The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
John
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, faith, and divine presence amidst challenges. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, where he skillfully navigates the theological divide between Pharisees and Sadducees by affirming his belief in the resurrection. This act of faith sparks a heated debate, leading to Paul’s rescue by the Roman tribune. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reinforcing his mission to testify in Rome. This passage highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. Jesus petitions the Father that His disciples may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity, Jesus explains, is not merely for the sake of His immediate followers but for all who will come to believe through their testimony. Jesus’ prayer also expresses His desire that His disciples may share in the glory He has received from the Father and that they may experience the fullness of God’s love. This passage underscores the profound importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the boundless love that God has for us.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and relationships. Just as Paul faced division and hostility, we too may encounter challenges that test our faith and our resolve. Yet, like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and guidance. Similarly, Jesus’ prayer for unity challenges us to examine how we relate to one another. Are we instruments of unity and reconciliation, or do we contribute to division? Let us strive to be one in heart and mind, just as the Father and the Son are one. May we also deepen our awareness of God’s love for us, a love that transcends all boundaries and sustains us through every trial. In doing so, we not only bear witness to the power of faith but also become living reflections of the unity and love that Jesus prayed for on our behalf.