Daily Readings - Mon Jun 03 2019
Acts
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?John's baptism," they replied.4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7There were about twelve men in all.8Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
John
29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."31"You believe at last!" Jesus answered.32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Sermon
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells the story of Paul encountering a group of disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized by John the Baptist but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul explains the difference between John's baptism of repentance and the baptism in the name of Jesus, leading them to receive the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights the transition from the preparatory role of John the Baptist to the fullness of life in Christ through the Holy Spirit. It also shows Paul's missionary zeal and the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for witness and service.
The Gospel from John 16 finds Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He assures them that even though they will face scattering and difficulties, they can have peace because He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes trust in God’s providence and the peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has already triumphed over all challenges. It invites believers to place their confidence in God, even in the midst of trials.
Both readings remind us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need to trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace the Spirit’s presence, which equips us to face challenges with courage and faith. Just as Paul guided the Ephesian disciples to receive the Spirit, we too can open ourselves to the Spirit’s gifts. And just as Jesus assured His disciples of peace, we can find peace in Him, knowing that He has overcome the world. Let us live with confidence, trusting in God’s love and providence, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in all we do.