Daily Readings - Thu Jun 05 2025
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of unity, faith, and God's plan. The first reading from Acts presents Paul standing before the Sanhedrin, where he cleverly exploits the theological divide between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to his rescue by Roman soldiers. This scene underscores the complexities of human conflict and the ways in which even in turmoil, God's providence can prevail. The second reading, from John's Gospel, offers a stark contrast as Jesus prays for the unity of his disciples, expressing his deep desire for oneness among those who follow him.
The context of these readings reveals the tension between division and unity. In Acts, Paul's trial highlights the fractured state of the Jewish leadership, with the Sadducees and Pharisees holding opposing beliefs about the resurrection and the afterlife. This division creates chaos, but it also allows Paul to be saved from potential harm. In John's Gospel, Jesus' prayer for unity takes place on the eve of his Passion, emphasizing the importance of harmony among believers as they face the challenges of the world. While the first reading shows the reality of division, the second reading offers a vision of the unity that God desires for his people.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we navigate the tensions between division and unity in our own lives. Like Paul, we may find ourselves in situations where differences of opinion or belief lead to conflict. Yet, even in such moments, God's plan can unfold in unexpected ways. Like Jesus, we are called to pray for unity, not just for ourselves, but for all those who will come to believe in him through us. This unity is not about uniformity of thought or the absence of challenges, but about being one in heart and mind, grounded in our shared faith in God.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us strive to be instruments of unity in a world often marked by division. Let us pray for the grace to see beyond our differences and to work toward harmony in our relationships and communities. May we trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, and may we always remember that our ultimate unity comes from God, who loves us and desires that we be one in him.