Daily Readings - Tue May 08 2018

²²And the people rushed together against them. And the magistrates, tearing their tunics, ordered them to be beaten with staffs²³And when they had inflicted many scourges on them, they cast them into prison, instructing the guard to watch them diligently²⁴And since he had received this kind of order, he cast them into the interior prison cell, and he restricted their feet with stocks²⁵Then, in the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and praising God. And those who were also in custody were listening to them²⁶Yet truly, there was a sudden earthquake, so great that the foundations of the prison were moved. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bindings of everyone were released²⁷Then the prison guard, having been jarred awake, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword and intended to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled²⁸But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying: "Do no harm to yourself, for we are all here!²⁹Then calling for a light, he entered. And trembling, he fell before the feet of Paul and Silas³⁰And bringing them outside, he said, "Sirs, what must I do, so that I may be saved?³¹So they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and then you will be saved, with your household.³²And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house³³And he, taking them in the same hour of the night, washed their scourges. And he was baptized, and next his entire household³⁴And when he had brought them into his own house, he set a table for them. And he was joyous, with his entire household, believing in God

John

Chapter 16

⁵But I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. And now I am going to him who sent me. And no one among you has asked me, ‘Where are you going?⁶But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart⁷But I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I am going. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But when I will have gone away, I will send him to you⁸And when he has arrived, he will argue against the world, about sin and about justice and about judgment⁹about sin, indeed, because they have not believed in me¹⁰about justice, truly, because I am going to the Father, and you will not see me any longer¹¹about judgment, then, because the prince of this world has already been judged

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter powerful narratives of faith, conversion, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, remain steadfast in their faith. Their prayers and hymns of praise during the night attract the attention of their fellow prisoners, and a miraculous earthquake sets them free. The jailer, moved by their courage and the miracle he witnesses, seeks salvation and is baptized along with his family. This story highlights the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the unexpected ways God can bring light into darkness. The Gospel reading from John complements this narrative by focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains to his disciples that his departure is necessary for the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to come. The Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guiding believers in truth and comforting them in times of sorrow. Together, these readings remind us that the Holy Spirit is both a source of strength in persecution and a gentle guide in our daily lives. Just as the Spirit moved through Paul and Silas in prison, and just as the Spirit brought the jailer to faith, the Spirit continues to work in us today, empowering us to live as witnesses of God’s love. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to challenges in our own lives? Do we, like Paul and Silas, turn to prayer and praise even in difficult circumstances? And are we open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds? The moral lesson here is clear: Trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and remain open to the Spirit’s work in your life. Like the jailer, we may find ourselves in darkness, but through faith and the Spirit’s grace, we can be brought into the light of salvation. Let us embrace this truth and live as people of hope and courage, trusting that the Holy Spirit will always be our Advocate and guide.