Daily Readings - Sat May 27 2023
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 examples of faith and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s ministry while under house arrest in Rome. Despite his confinement, Paul continues to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication, welcoming all who come to him and teaching about the kingdom of God. His situation could have been one of despair, but instead, it becomes an opportunity to spread the Good News. The second reading from John’s Gospel shows Peter’s curiosity about the future of another disciple, but Jesus redirects Peter’s focus, saying, “What about him? You follow me.” This exchange emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s unique plan for each individual.
These readings remind us that our lives are not defined by our circumstances but by our response to God’s call. Paul, though a prisoner, remained faithful and fruitful in his mission. Peter, faced with uncertainty, learns to focus on his own relationship with Jesus rather than comparing himself to others. Both stories highlight the importance of surrendering to God’s will and trusting in His timing, even when the path ahead is unclear.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we allowing God to use us wherever we are, even in challenging situations? Do we trust in His plan for our lives, or do we get distracted by comparing ourselves to others? May we, like Paul, remain faithful and fruitful in our own mission, and may we, like Peter, focus on following Jesus with all our hearts. Let us surrender to God’s will, knowing that He has a unique purpose for each of us.