Daily Readings - Sat May 04 2024
Acts
1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.6Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
John
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 describes Paul and Timothy's missionary journey, highlighting their obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Despite being hindered from preaching in Asia, they followed a vision to Macedonia, demonstrating trust in divine direction. The second reading, John 15:18-21, finds Jesus preparing His disciples for the challenges ahead, warning them of the world's hatred but assuring them of their chosen role in God's plan.
Both passages emphasize the themes of mission and divine guidance. Paul's journey shows the early church's reliance on the Spirit, adapting to circumstances to spread the Gospel effectively. Jesus' words remind us that our mission as believers will face opposition, yet we are chosen and empowered to persevere. The connection between the readings lies in their focus on trust and resilience, encouraging us to remain faithful despite obstacles.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to listen to the Spirit's whispers, even when our plans change. Like Paul and Timothy, we must adapt and trust in God's guidance. Jesus' assurance reminds us that any persecution or challenge is part of our mission, not a reason to falter. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's plan and persevere with faith, knowing we are chosen for a greater purpose.