Daily Readings - Sat Jun 04 2022
Acts
16When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.17Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: "My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.18They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.19But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar--not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.20For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
John
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons of faith and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s time under house arrest in Rome, where despite his confinement, he continued to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication. The second reading from John’s Gospel shows Peter’s curiosity about the fate of another disciple, to which Jesus responds by reminding Peter to focus on his own calling rather than comparing himself to others. Both passages invite us to reflect on perseverance, trust, and living out our unique mission in life.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian community’s struggles and uncertainties. Paul, though imprisoned, remained a tireless witness to the truth, using even his captivity as an opportunity to share the Good News. Similarly, in John’s Gospel, the disciples were grappling with their roles in the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ response to Peter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan and not being distracted by the journey of others. These scenes remind us that our faith is not about comparing ourselves to others but about faithfully following God’s will for our own lives.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace perseverance and trust. Like Paul, we may face challenges or limitations, but we are always called to remain faithful and to use every situation as an opportunity to share God’s love. Like Peter, we may be tempted to look at others and wonder about their path, but Jesus reminds us to focus on our own journey. Let us ask ourselves: Am I staying true to my calling? Am I trusting in God’s plan, even when the road ahead is uncertain? May we, like Paul and the disciples, find the strength to follow Jesus without hesitation, knowing that our unique mission is part of a larger story that only God can see.