Daily Readings - Wed Jun 29 2022
Acts
1Now at the same time, king Herod extended his hand, in order to afflict some from the Church2Then he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword3And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he set out next to apprehend Peter also. Now it was the days of Unleavened Bread4So when he had apprehended him, he sent him into prison, handing him over into the custody of four groups of four soldiers, intending to produce him to the people after the Passover5And so Peter was detained in prison. But prayers were being made without ceasing, by the Church, to God on his behalf6And when Herod was ready to produce him, in that same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and was bound with two chains. And there were guards in front of the door, guarding the prison7And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, "Rise up, quickly." And the chains fell from his hands8Then the Angel said to him: "Dress yourself, and put on your boots." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.9And going out, he followed him. And he did not know this truth: that this was being done by an Angel. For he thought that he was seeing a vision10And passing by the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city; and it opened for them by itself. And departing, they continued on along a certain side street. And suddenly the Angel withdrew from him11And Peter, returning to himself, said: "Now I know, truly, that the Lord sent his Angel, and that he rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the people of the Jews were anticipating.
2 Timothy
6For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close7I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith8As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return. Hurry to return to me soon17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion18The Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful stories of faith, persecution, and divine deliverance. The first reading from Acts recounts the dramatic rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Despite the dangers and Herod’s persecution, the early Christian community prayed ceaselessly for Peter, and God intervened in a miraculous way, freeing Peter from captivity. This story reminds us of the power of prayer and the trust we should place in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
The second reading from 2 Timothy offers a deeply personal reflection from St. Paul, who, near the end of his life, expresses confidence in God’s plan. Paul acknowledges the struggles he has faced but affirms that he has remained faithful, trusting that God will bring his work to completion. His words encourage us to persevere in our own trials, knowing that God’s strength sustains us and that our ultimate reward awaits us in heaven.
Both readings remind us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a living relationship with God. Just as Peter and Paul trusted in God’s plan, even when their circumstances seemed hopeless, we too are called to place our trust in Him. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but these readings invite us to turn to prayer, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to the Gospel. Let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Paul, remembering that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments, and that He will see us through to eternal life.