Daily Readings - Tue May 23 2017
Acts
22The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.23And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.24Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,26and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.27When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.28But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."29And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.30Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"31And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.33And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.34Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
John
5But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.8And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:9concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;10concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;11concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that illuminate the power of faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts 16:22-34 recounts the trials of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and imprisoned, prayed and praised God. Their faith was met with a miraculous earthquake that freed them and led to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This story highlights the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the unexpected ways God can work through suffering.
The Gospel reading from John 16:5-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains that His departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, preparing His disciples for His departure and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and comfort them.
These readings intertwine beautifully, as both illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in transformation. In Acts, the Spirit's power leads to miraculous freedom and conversion, while in John, the Spirit is promised as a guide and comforter. Together, they remind us that faith, even in difficult times, can lead to unexpected blessings and that the Holy Spirit is ever-present to guide us.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, especially when faced with challenges. Just as Paul and Silas found strength in prayer and praise, we too can find peace in trusting God. The Holy Spirit, as promised, is our advocate, guiding us through life's uncertainties. Let us embrace the Spirit's presence, allowing Him to transform our hearts and lead us to a deeper faith. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in our lives.