Daily Readings - Thu May 29 2025
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and transformation in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 18:1-8 describes Paul's missionary work in Corinth. Despite facing opposition, Paul remains steadfast in his ministry, eventually transitioning his focus to the Gentiles. His perseverance amidst challenges exemplifies trust in God's plan. The second reading, John 16:16-20, captures a moment where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. He speaks of a time when they will not see him, but will see him again, reassuring them that their sorrow will turn to joy. This passage underscores the theme of trust and transformation through faith.
Both readings share a common thread of transition and trust. Paul's journey in Corinth and Jesus' Farewell Discourse both emphasize the importance of trusting God despite uncertainty. Just as Paul trusted God's guidance to minister to the Gentiles, the disciples were called to trust that their sorrow would become joy. This connection reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges but navigating them with trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, we often face transitions and uncertainties. These readings encourage us to embrace these moments with trust, knowing that God's plan unfolds even in difficult times. Just as Paul's ministry and the disciples' experience show, our trials can lead to deeper faith and unexpected joy. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, and find joy in His presence, even amidst life's challenges.