Daily Readings - Sat May 20 2023
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
The first reading from Acts tells us about Apollos, a Jewish Christian from Alexandria who was eloquent and well-versed in the Scriptures. Though he knew only the baptism of John, he preached about Jesus with fervor in the synagogue at Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who were also disciples, recognized his potential and took him aside to teach him more thoroughly about the Way of the Lord. With their guidance, Apollos became an even more effective preacher, especially among the Gentiles. This passage highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the life of faith.
The Gospel reading from John is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples. Jesus assures them that they will no longer need to ask him for anything because they can ask the Father directly in his name. He promises that the Father will give them whatever they ask for, and their joy will be complete. Jesus also mentions that he will no longer speak in parables but will speak plainly to them. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and the trust that believers can place in the Father’s love and provision.
Both readings remind us of the importance of prayer and the support of the Christian community. In the first reading, Apollos’ growth as a preacher was made possible by the guidance of Priscilla and Aquila, showing that none of us can grow in faith alone. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to approach the Father with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered. These readings call us to deepen our prayer life and to seek the support of others in our journey of faith. May we, like Apollos, remain humble and open to learning, and may we, like the disciples, trust in the Father’s love and provision.