Daily Readings - Fri Jun 29 2018
Acts
1About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.2He killed James the brother of John with the sword,3and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.4And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.5So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.6Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.8And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."9And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.10When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.11When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
2 Timothy
6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that remind us of the enduring strength of faith and God's unwavering presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter's miraculous escape from prison, highlighting God's intervention and the power of prayer. The second reading from 2 Timothy offers a deeply personal reflection from Paul, who, facing death, expresses his trust in God's deliverance and the ultimate triumph of salvation. In the Gospel, Matthew presents a pivotal moment where Jesus establishes Peter as the foundation of His Church, emphasizing the importance of faith and leadership.
These passages are interconnected through themes of trust, divine intervention, and the establishment of the Church. Peter's escape and Paul's unwavering faith illustrate how God works through us even in the darkest times. Jesus' dialogue with Peter in Matthew underscores the foundational role of faith in building the Church, reminding us that our faith is a rock that withstands life's challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's providence, especially during hardships. Just as Peter and Paul stood firm in their faith, we too can find strength in God's presence. The Church, as a community of believers, plays a vital role in supporting and guiding us. Let us embrace our faith with courage, trusting that God will guide us through every trial, and let us contribute to the life of the Church, recognizing our role in its mission. May we, like Peter, confess our faith boldly and, like Paul, trust in God's deliverance, knowing that His plan for us is always one of salvation and hope.