Daily Readings - Tue May 16 2023

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 transformative power of faith and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned for their faith, prayed and praised God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and all the other prisoners. This event caught the attention of the jailer, who, fearing the worst, was about to end his life. However, Paul's compassionate intervention led the jailer to seek salvation, resulting in the baptism of him and his household. This story highlights how faith can turn even the darkest situations into opportunities for grace and conversion. The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing his disciples for his departure, explaining that his leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where he reassures the disciples that though his physical presence will be gone, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower them. The Holy Spirit's role is to reveal truth and bring light to a world in need of redemption. Both readings beautifully interweave the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. In Acts, we see the Holy Spirit's power in action, freeing Paul and Silas and leading the jailer to faith. In John, we understand the Holy Spirit's mission to guide and convict, ensuring that Christ's work continues through his followers. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not in vain and that the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding us through life's challenges. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. Just as Paul and Silas faced imprisonment with faith and prayer, we too can face our trials with trust in God's plan. The jailer's conversion shows us that even in unexpected moments, God can bring about transformation. Similarly, Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit assures us that we are not alone; we have a divine Advocate who strengthens and guides us. Let us, therefore, embrace the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, allowing Him to lead us in truth and righteousness. May our faith be as bold as Paul and Silas, and may we, like the jailer, be open to the transformative power of God's grace.