Daily Readings - Thu May 09 2024
Acts
1After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.6But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."7Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
John
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."17Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?"18They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."19Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on perseverance, trust in God’s plan, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18 describes Paul’s missionary journey to Corinth, where he faces both opposition and opportunity. Despite being rejected by some, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, and through his efforts, many come to believe in Christ. The Gospel from John 16 presents Jesus comforting his disciples with the promise that their sorrow will turn into joy, even as he prepares to leave them.
These readings are deeply connected. Paul’s experience in Corinth mirrors the disciples’ experience of loss and confusion. Just as Paul trusted in God’s providence despite setbacks, the disciples are called to trust in Jesus’ promise that their sorrow is not permanent. Both narratives remind us that our faith journey is not without challenges, but it is in these moments of uncertainty that we are invited to deepen our trust in God’s plan.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt or rejection, just like Paul and the disciples. Yet, these readings encourage us to persevere, knowing that God’s plan unfolds in ways we may not fully understand. Jesus’ promise that sorrow will turn into joy reminds us to hold onto hope, even in the midst of difficulty. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust in God’s timing? How can I share the joy of the Gospel, even when it feels challenging? May we, like Paul, remain steadfast in our mission and, like the disciples, find comfort in the promise that our sorrow will be transformed into eternal joy.