Daily Readings - Tue May 08 2018
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 powerful narratives of faith, conversion, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, remain steadfast in their faith. Their prayers and hymns of praise during the night attract the attention of their fellow prisoners, and a miraculous earthquake sets them free. The jailer, moved by their courage and the miracle he witnesses, seeks salvation and is baptized along with his family. This story highlights the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the unexpected ways God can bring light into darkness.
The Gospel reading from John complements this narrative by focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains to his disciples that his departure is necessary for the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to come. The Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, guiding believers in truth and comforting them in times of sorrow. Together, these readings remind us that the Holy Spirit is both a source of strength in persecution and a gentle guide in our daily lives. Just as the Spirit moved through Paul and Silas in prison, and just as the Spirit brought the jailer to faith, the Spirit continues to work in us today, empowering us to live as witnesses of God’s love.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to challenges in our own lives? Do we, like Paul and Silas, turn to prayer and praise even in difficult circumstances? And are we open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds? The moral lesson here is clear: Trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unclear, and remain open to the Spirit’s work in your life. Like the jailer, we may find ourselves in darkness, but through faith and the Spirit’s grace, we can be brought into the light of salvation. Let us embrace this truth and live as people of hope and courage, trusting that the Holy Spirit will always be our Advocate and guide.