Daily Readings - Tue May 11 2021

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 two profound narratives that illuminate the presence and power of God in times of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, continued to pray and praise God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them, and subsequently, the jailer and his family converted to Christianity. This passage highlights the transformative power of faith and prayer, even in the face of persecution. The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them that His leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus explains, will guide the disciples in truth and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the comfort and guidance the Holy Spirit provides, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with courage and wisdom. These readings are interconnected through the theme of divine intervention and support in difficult times. In Acts, God's intervention is physical, freeing Paul and Silas and leading to conversion. In John, the intervention is spiritual, with the Holy Spirit offering guidance and strength. Both narratives remind us that God is ever-present, providing the necessary support to overcome adversity. In our daily lives, we face various challenges, much like Paul, Silas, and the disciples. These readings encourage us to embrace prayer and trust in God's plan, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. Just as the jailer found faith through Paul and Silas, we too can be instruments of God's grace, spreading His Word and love. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us through life's trials. Let us, like Paul and Silas, remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting that God's plan is always for our good. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in the Holy Spirit and share God's love with others, leading them to faith and conversion.