Daily Readings - Tue May 18 2021
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 reflection and prayer from St. Paul and Jesus, each highlighting their unwavering commitment to their missions and the well-being of their followers. In Acts 20:17-27, St. Paul addresses the elders of Ephesus, recounting his ministry with humility and perseverance despite the trials he faced. He expresses his readiness to face future challenges in Jerusalem, emphasizing that his life’s purpose is to fulfill God’s will. This passage captures Paul’s farewell, underscoring his dedication to spreading the Gospel and his trust in God’s plan.
In John 17:1-11a, Jesus offers a heartfelt prayer to the Father, glorifying Him and acknowledging the authority given to Him. Jesus prays for His disciples, seeking their unity and protection in a world filled with challenges. This prayer, part of the Last Supper narrative, reflects Jesus’ deep concern for His followers and His desire for their unity and perseverance in faith.
Both readings emphasize the themes of commitment, unity, and trust in God. St. Paul’s courage in the face of adversity and Jesus’ prayer for His disciples remind us of the importance of staying faithful despite life’s challenges. They call us to reflect on our own commitment to our faith and our role within the community of believers.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our mission with dedication, just as Paul and Jesus did. They remind us to trust in God’s plan, even when the future is uncertain, and to pray for one another, seeking unity and strength in our shared faith. Let us strive to live selflessly, dedicated to our faith, and support each other in our spiritual journeys, just as Paul and Jesus exemplified.