Daily Readings - Sat May 19 2018
Acts
16When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.17Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.18They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.19But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.20For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
John
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful testimonies of faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s time in Rome, where, despite being under house arrest, he continued to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication. Paul explains to the Jewish leaders that he has done nothing wrong and that his imprisonment is the result of false accusations. Yet, even in chains, he remains steadfast in his mission, teaching about the kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. His example shows us that even in the most challenging circumstances, our faith can shine through.
The Gospel from John 21 shifts our focus to a conversation between Jesus and Peter. After the resurrection, Peter notices John following Jesus and asks, “What about him?” Jesus responds by telling Peter not to be concerned with John’s path but to focus on his own: “You follow me.” This exchange reminds us that each of us has a unique role in God’s plan. It is easy to get distracted by comparing ourselves to others or worrying about their journey, but Jesus calls us to trust in His plan and to focus on our own relationship with Him.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we may face obstacles or challenges, but we are called to remain faithful and to share the Good News with others, no matter the circumstances. Like Peter, we may be tempted to look at others and wonder about their path, but Jesus reminds us to focus on our own call to follow Him. Let us trust in God’s plan for us and remain committed to living out our faith with perseverance and joy.