Daily Readings - Tue May 07 2024

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 that illuminate the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives. From the Acts of the Apostles, we witness Paul and Silas’s unwavering faith despite imprisonment. Their prayers and hymns of praise precede a miraculous earthquake that frees them. The jailer, faced with despair, finds salvation through Paul’s guidance, leading to the baptism of him and his family. This story underscores the triumph of faith over adversity and the immediate impact of the Holy Spirit’s presence. In the Gospel of John, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the Holy Spirit as their Advocate. The Spirit’s role is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Jesus’s departure, though sorrowful for the disciples, is necessary for the Spirit’s arrival, bringing truth and guidance. This passage highlights the Holy Spirit’s essential role in revealing truth and transforming hearts. These readings connect through the Holy Spirit’s active presence. In Acts, the Spirit empowers Paul and Silas, leading to conversion. In John, the Spirit is promised to guide and convict. Together, they reveal the Spirit’s mission to bring truth and transformation. In our lives, this means embracing faith, trusting in God’s plan, and remaining open to the Spirit’s guidance. May we live with courage and joy, sharing our faith and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing light and truth to a world in need.