Daily Readings - Mon Jun 29 2020
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 underscore the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the unwavering trust in God's plan. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter's miraculous escape from prison, highlighting the efficacy of prayer and God's providence. The second reading from 2 Timothy offers Paul's reflections as he faces the end of his earthly journey, emphasizing his trust in God's deliverance and the eternal impact of his ministry. The Gospel from Matthew presents a pivotal moment where Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, leading to the establishment of the Church with Peter as its foundation.
These readings are intricately connected through the thread of faith and divine providence. Peter's deliverance and Paul's steadfastness illustrate God's faithfulness amidst persecution, while Peter's confession in the Gospel marks the foundational moment of the Church. Together, they remind us that our faith is rooted in God's unshakable promises and that our role as believers is to stand firm in our confession of Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity. Just as Peter and Paul relied on God's grace, we too can find strength in prayer and faith. The moral lesson here is the importance of confessing Christ and living out our faith with courage. As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that God is always with us, guiding and sustaining us, and may we, like Peter, boldly proclaim our faith, knowing that the Church, built on the rock of Peter, endures through the ages.