Daily Readings - Sat Jun 07 2025
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of perseverance, trust in God's plan, and the importance of staying focused on our own calling as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Acts, we see Paul, though imprisoned in Rome, continuing to preach the Gospel with unwavering dedication. Despite the chains that bind him, he remains free in spirit, using every opportunity to share the message of salvation. This passage reminds us that our circumstances do not define our ability to serve God; even in confinement, Paul’s heart remains open to all who seek truth.
In the Gospel, we encounter a moment of tender yet profound teaching from Jesus. When Peter asks about the fate of the beloved disciple, Jesus responds with a message that transcends curiosity about others. He tells Peter, "What about him? You follow me." This exchange underscores the importance of focusing on our own relationship with Christ rather than comparing ourselves to others or worrying about their journey. Jesus’ words are a gentle reminder that each of us has a unique role to play in His plan, and our energy should be directed toward following Him faithfully.
These readings together teach us about the balance between perseverance and trust. Like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast in our mission, even when faced with obstacles. And like Peter, we are invited to let go of distractions and keep our eyes fixed on Christ. In our daily lives, this means embracing our own challenges with courage and trusting that God is at work in ways we may not fully understand. Let us strive to follow Christ with the same dedication as Paul and the same humility as Peter, knowing that our ultimate purpose is to serve Him and share His love with the world.