Daily Readings - Fri May 22 2020
Acts
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."11So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.13"This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."14Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.15But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."16So he had them ejected from the court.17Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.18Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.
John
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us through the dynamics of faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul's missionary journey, where he faces opposition yet remains steadfast in his mission. A vision from the Lord emboldens him to continue preaching, despite the challenges. This passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. The second reading, John 16:20-23a, offers a message of hope from Jesus. He assures his disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy, much like a woman who forgets her pain after giving birth. Jesus promises that their joy will be complete and that they will find everything they need in the Father.
These readings converge on the theme of hope amidst adversity. Paul's experience in Acts illustrates the challenges of living out one's faith, while Jesus' words in John provide the reassurance needed to endure such trials. Both narratives remind us that our faith journey is not without its struggles, but it is in these moments that we discover the depth of God's presence and provision.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when the path seems uncertain. Just as Paul trusted the vision and continued his mission, we too can face our challenges with courage. Jesus' promise of joy turning sorrow upside down encourages us to hold onto hope, knowing that our struggles are temporary. Let us reflect on our own trials and remember that God is ever-present, transforming our sorrows into joy. The moral lesson here is one of unwavering trust and hope in God, reminding us that through faith, we can overcome any obstacle and find true joy in His presence.