Daily Readings - Fri May 10 2024
Acts
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."11So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.13"This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."14Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.15But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."16So he had them ejected from the court.17Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.18Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.
John
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that remind us of the enduring presence of God amidst trials and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Acts 18:9-18 recounts Paul’s missionary journey in Corinth. Despite facing persecution and opposition from the Jews, Paul receives a vision from the Lord, who assures him of divine protection and the presence of many who are faithful. This assurance emboldens Paul to continue his mission, teaching the Word of God for an extended period. The reading concludes with Paul’s eventual departure, leaving behind a community strengthened in faith. This passage highlights the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of trusting in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from John 16:20-23a shifts our focus to Jesus’ words of comfort to His disciples. He speaks of a time when they will experience sorrow, but this sorrow will be transformed into joy, much like a woman who endures the pain of childbirth but then rejoices at the birth of her child. Jesus promises that their hearts will rejoice when they see Him again and that no one will take that joy away. This passage invites us to reflect on the temporary nature of suffering and the eternal promise of joy that comes from union with Christ.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is also filled with hope and promise. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s presence and continue our mission of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Like the disciples, we are assured that our sorrows will be turned into joy when we remain faithful and united to Christ. In our daily lives, let us embrace the trials we face with courage and hope, knowing that God is with us and that our ultimate joy is rooted in Him. May we, like Paul, persevere in our faith and may we, like the disciples, find our hearts filled with the joy that only Christ can give.