Daily Readings - Sat May 25 2019
Acts
1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.6Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
John
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts describes Paul's journey with Timothy and the early Christian community's efforts to spread the Gospel. Paul, recognizing Timothy's potential as a disciple, circumcises him to ease his acceptance among the Jewish communities they will visit. As they travel, they strengthen the Churches and face the Holy Spirit's guidance, redirecting their mission to Macedonia. This passage highlights the early Church's resilience and the Spirit's active role in shaping their mission.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' words to His disciples, warning them of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that because they are chosen and belong to Him, the world will persecute them, just as it persecuted Him. He reminds them that the servant is not greater than the master and that their fidelity to His word will be tested. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of steadfast faith in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ involves both mission and sacrifice. Like Paul and Timothy, we are called to share the Gospel courageously, even when faced with obstacles. Jesus' words in John invite us to embrace our identity as His disciples, knowing that persecution or opposition may arise. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's guidance, remain faithful in challenging situations, and persevere in living out our faith. May we, like the early Christians, allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and may we endure any trials with the assurance that we belong to Christ.