Daily Readings - Sat May 15 2021
Acts
23After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
John
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.24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.25"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.26In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.27No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.28I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:23-28 recounts Paul's missionary travels and introduces Apollo, a zealous teacher who, with the help of Priscilla and Aquila, deepens his understanding of Christianity. This passage highlights the early church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The Gospel from John 16:23b-28 features Jesus discussing the power of prayer in His name, promising joy and assurance that the Father will grant our requests. He also speaks of His departure and return to the Father, emphasizing the disciples' direct relationship with God.
These readings, though from different contexts, are interconnected through themes of evangelism and prayer. Acts illustrates the active spreading of faith, while John's Gospel underscores the spiritual foundation of prayer that sustains such efforts. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is both outward in mission and inward in personal relationship with God.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to actively share our faith and nurture it through prayer. Just as Apollo and Paul relied on their communities for support, we too can grow in faith by learning from others and deepening our prayer life. Jesus' promise that our joy will be full when we pray in His name invites us to trust in God's providence. Let us embrace both the mission of spreading the Gospel and the intimacy of prayer, allowing these elements to enrich our daily lives and draw us closer to God.