Daily Readings - Thu May 16 2024
Acts
30The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."7When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
John
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments that invite us to reflect on unity and perseverance. From Acts, we see Paul standing before the Sanhedrin, skillfully navigating the theological tensions between Pharisees and Sadducees. By declaring himself a Pharisee, Paul sparks a division that ultimately leads to his protection. This episode highlights Paul's cunning and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the divine assurance he receives from Christ, urging him to remain steadfast in his mission.
In the Gospel, Jesus offers a prayer that stands in contrast to the division Paul exploited. Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. This prayer is not merely for the disciples present but for all who would come to believe through their testimony. Jesus longs for a unity that reflects the divine love and glory shared between the Father and the Son, a unity that transcends the divisions of this world.
These readings invite us to consider how we navigate the tensions and divisions of our own lives. Like Paul, we may face challenges that require courage and wisdom, but we are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's providence. At the same time, Jesus' prayer reminds us that our ultimate goal is unity, not division. In a world often marked by discord, we are to be instruments of unity, reflecting the love of the Father and the Son. May we strive to live in such a way that the world may believe in the One who sent us, and may we find strength in the knowledge that we are never alone in this mission.