Daily Readings - Thu Jun 06 2019
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 moments that invite us to reflect on faith, unity, and the presence of God in our lives. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s trial before the Sanhedrin, where he cleverly exploits the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees to create a division among his accusers. This strategic move not only highlights Paul’s cunning but also underscores his unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of danger. Later, Jesus appears to Paul, reassuring him and calling him to perseverance, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God’s presence and guidance are always with us.
The Gospel reading from John 17 presents Jesus’ heartfelt prayer for unity among his disciples and all those who would come to believe in him through their word. Jesus longs for his followers to be one, just as he and the Father are one, so that the world may recognize the divine love that binds them together. This prayer is not just a plea for harmony but a profound revelation of the Trinitarian love that flows between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It invites us to reflect on how we live out this unity in our own lives, whether in our relationships, our communities, or our witness to the world.
These readings remind us that our faith is both a source of strength in the face of challenges and a call to unity in a fragmented world. Just as Paul trusted in God’s plan despite the trials he faced, we too are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And just as Jesus prayed for unity, we are challenged to work toward oneness in our own lives—whether in our families, our parishes, or our broader communities. May we allow the love of God to flow through us, uniting us in purpose and witness, so that the world may see the glory of God shining through us.