Daily Readings - Sat May 16 2020
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
In today's readings, we journey through two pivotal moments in the early Christian church and the life of Jesus, each offering profound insights into faith and discipleship. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 introduces us to Timothy, a young disciple with a mixed heritage, whom Paul circumcises to facilitate their missionary work among the Jews. This act, though seemingly contradictory to earlier teachings, underscores Paul's strategic obedience to God's plan for spreading the Gospel. The narrative continues with the missionaries being guided by the Holy Spirit, highlighting their trust in divine direction as they navigate the challenges of their journey.
The Gospel reading from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He warns His disciples of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that this hatred stems from their status as outsiders, chosen by God from the world. He reminds them that persecution is inevitable, just as He experienced, but assures them that their fidelity to His word will sustain them. This passage invites us to reflect on our own identity as followers of Christ, set apart and called to live according to His teachings.
Both readings intertwine themes of trust and fidelity. In Acts, Paul and Timothy's journey exemplifies trust in God's plan, even when it requires difficult decisions. In John, Jesus calls us to remain faithful despite the world's hostility. For us today, these readings encourage us to trust in God's guidance and to embrace our identity as His disciples, even when facing challenges. Let us strive to live with fidelity, trusting that God's plan will unfold, and enduring any persecution with courage and faith.