Daily Readings - Sat May 18 2024
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 faithfulness and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Acts describes Paul’s time under house arrest in Rome, where, despite his confinement, he continues to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication. The second reading from John’s Gospel shows Jesus gently redirecting Peter’s focus away from the fate of another disciple and back to his own calling. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the importance of trusting in God’s will and remaining faithful to our own unique mission.
The context of these readings is significant. Paul, despite being a prisoner, uses his circumstances to witness to the power of Christ, while John’s Gospel emphasizes the personal nature of discipleship. Jesus’ words to Peter remind us that our focus should not be on comparing ourselves to others or worrying about their journey, but rather on following Him wholeheartedly. Both readings highlight the importance of remaining faithful, even in challenging or uncertain situations.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to trust in God’s plan and to focus on our own path. Like Paul, we may face obstacles or setbacks, but these do not have to hinder our ability to live out our faith. Like Peter, we may be tempted to look at others and wonder about their role in God’s plan, but Jesus reminds us that our primary concern should be to follow Him faithfully. Let us take inspiration from these examples and strive to live each day with trust in God’s will and a commitment to our own unique calling.