Daily Readings - Thu May 20 2021
Acts
30The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
John
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments that invite us to reflect on unity and faith. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's trial, where he cleverly exploits the theological differences between Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to a division that forces Roman intervention. This scene highlights Paul's strategic defense, rooted in his deep understanding of Jewish sects. The second reading, from John's Gospel, presents Jesus' heartfelt prayer for the unity of His disciples, emphasizing their oneness with Him and the Father. This prayer underscores the divine desire for harmony among believers.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the pursuit of unity amidst diversity. Paul's situation reveals the challenges of division, while Jesus' prayer offers a vision of unity. Together, they remind us that unity is not about uniformity but about a shared commitment to faith and love. Just as Jesus prayed for His disciples, we are called to strive for unity in our own communities, recognizing that our differences can be a strength when united in purpose.
In our daily lives, this means seeking common ground, embracing diversity, and fostering love. Let us, like Jesus, pray for unity and work towards it, understanding that it is a divine gift that enriches our shared journey of faith.