Daily Readings - Tue May 27 2025

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 highlight the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The first reading from Acts 16:22-34 recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, prayed and praised God. Their faith was met with a miraculous earthquake that freed them, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This episode illustrates the Holy Spirit's active presence in times of adversity, turning suffering into an opportunity for salvation. The Gospel from John 16:5-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where he speaks of the Holy Spirit's role as the Advocate. Jesus explains that his departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the Spirit's mission to guide believers and illuminate the truth, even in the face of uncertainty and change. Both readings intertwine the Holy Spirit's dynamic role in the lives of believers. In Acts, the Spirit's power leads to physical freedom and spiritual conversion. In John, the Spirit's presence promises guidance and truth. These narratives remind us to trust in God's plan, even in difficult times, and to remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in our lives. As we navigate our own challenges, may we find hope in the Spirit's presence, embracing the joy and faith that lead to a deeper connection with God. Let us call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us, that we may live with courage, trust, and openness to God's will.