Daily Readings - Thu May 30 2019
Acts
1After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.6But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."7Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
John
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."17Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?"18They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."19Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of God’s plan in our lives. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth. Despite facing opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, eventually turning to the Gentiles. His perseverance leads to the conversion of many, including Crispus, a synagogue leader, and his household. This passage reminds us that our faith must be resilient, even in the face of adversity, for God’s plan often unfolds in unexpected ways.
The Gospel from John 16:16-20 shifts our focus to Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his Passion. He speaks of a “little while” when they will not see him, followed by a time when they will see him again. The disciples are confused and saddened by these words, but Jesus assures them that their sorrow will turn to joy. This passage invites us to trust in God’s timing and to find hope in the midst of uncertainty. Just as the disciples would come to understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words after his Resurrection, we too can learn to see God’s plan unfolding in our lives, even when the path seems unclear.
These readings call us to embrace faith and perseverance in our daily lives. Like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast in our mission to share the Gospel, even when faced with challenges. Like the disciples, we are invited to trust in God’s plan, knowing that our sorrows will ultimately be transformed into joy. Let us ask for the grace to remain faithful, to trust in God’s timing, and to find hope in the promise of eternal life.