Daily Readings - Tue May 09 2023
Acts
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.24After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,25and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.26From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.27On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.28"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts 14:19-28 describes Paul's missionary journey, where he faces intense persecution, including being stoned and left for dead. Despite this, he miraculously survives and continues his work, establishing churches and strengthening the faith of the disciples. This passage highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of severe trials. The context is set during Paul's first missionary journey, where he and Barnabas face opposition from Jewish communities but also experience the joy of converting Gentiles to the faith. The reading emphasizes the importance of perseverance and trust in God's providence, even when faced with suffering.
The Gospel reading from John 14:27-31a shifts the focus to Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He offers words of comfort to His disciples. Jesus promises them His peace, which is different from the world's peace, and reassures them not to be troubled or afraid. He explains that His departure is necessary because the Father is greater than He, and He acts in obedience to the Father's command. This passage is set in the Upper Room during the Last Supper, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and the challenges they will face. The reading underscores the theme of trust in God's plan and the gift of peace that comes from faith in Him.
Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme: trust in God's plan and the strength to face challenges with faith. Paul's resilience in the face of persecution mirrors Jesus' obedience to the Father's will. The readings remind us that life is not without its trials, but through faith, we can find peace and perseverance. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this same spirit of trust and courage. When we face difficulties, we can draw strength from God's promise of peace and remember that our ultimate hope is in Him. Let us strive to live out our faith with the same dedication and trust that Paul and Jesus exemplified, knowing that God's grace will sustain us through all tribulations.