Daily Readings - Mon Jun 02 2025
Acts
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?John's baptism," they replied.4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7There were about twelve men in all.8Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
John
29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."31"You believe at last!" Jesus answered.32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments in the journey of faith. The first reading from Acts 19:1-8 introduces us to Paul meeting disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, laying hands on them, and they receive the Spirit, manifesting through tongues and prophecy. This passage highlights the transition from John's baptism of repentance to the fullness of Christian baptism, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's empowering role in the early church.
The Gospel, John 16:29-33, shifts our focus to Jesus' farewell discourse. He assures His disciples that despite the impending challenges and scattering, He is never alone, for the Father is with Him. Jesus offers them peace, reassuring them that He has overcome the world. This passage invites us to trust in God's presence and find peace amidst life's trials.
Both readings converge on the theme of the Holy Spirit. In Acts, the Spirit empowers believers, while in John, the Spirit, though not explicitly mentioned, is implied as the source of peace and strength. This duality reminds us that the Holy Spirit is both our empowerer and our comforter. In our daily lives, we face challenges, but we can trust in the Spirit's presence. Just as the Ephesian disciples needed the Spirit, we too may feel incomplete without fully embracing the Spirit's power. Let us seek to live in the Spirit, trusting in God's plan and finding peace in His overcoming power. The moral lesson here is clear: rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and peace, knowing that even in turmoil, we are never alone.