Daily Readings - Tue May 26 2020
Acts
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.18When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
John
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:2"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.6"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and leadership. Paul, in Acts, bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry with humility and courage, despite the trials he faces. He entrusts them with the responsibility of leading the flock, emphasizing his commitment to spreading the Gospel. In John's Gospel, Jesus, in His final prayer, seeks glory not for Himself, but to glorify the Father, ensuring His disciples are united and protected in a world filled with challenges.
Both Paul and Jesus are deeply concerned with the well-being of their followers. Paul, nearing the end of his journey, knows the elders must step forward, just as Jesus, in His final moments, prays for the unity of His disciples. Their focus is not on their own fate but on the spiritual safety and unity of those they leave behind. This shared concern highlights the importance of community and leadership in our faith journey.
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded of the importance of living our faith with commitment and perseverance. Just as Paul and Jesus entrusted others with the mission, we too are called to nurture and protect our communities. Let us strive for unity and support one another, embracing our challenges with courage. In doing so, we honor God and fulfill our role as faithful stewards of His message.