Daily Readings - Tue May 11 2021
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 presence and power of God in times of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, continued to pray and praise God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them, and subsequently, the jailer and his family converted to Christianity. This passage highlights the transformative power of faith and prayer, even in the face of persecution.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them that His leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus explains, will guide the disciples in truth and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the comfort and guidance the Holy Spirit provides, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with courage and wisdom.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of divine intervention and support in difficult times. In Acts, God's intervention is physical, freeing Paul and Silas and leading to conversion. In John, the intervention is spiritual, with the Holy Spirit offering guidance and strength. Both narratives remind us that God is ever-present, providing the necessary support to overcome adversity.
In our daily lives, we face various challenges, much like Paul, Silas, and the disciples. These readings encourage us to embrace prayer and trust in God's plan, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. Just as the jailer found faith through Paul and Silas, we too can be instruments of God's grace, spreading His Word and love.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us through life's trials. Let us, like Paul and Silas, remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting that God's plan is always for our good. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in the Holy Spirit and share God's love with others, leading them to faith and conversion.