Daily Readings - Wed Jun 29 2022
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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful stories of faith, persecution, and divine deliverance. The first reading from Acts recounts the dramatic rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Despite the dangers and Herod’s persecution, the early Christian community prayed ceaselessly for Peter, and God intervened in a miraculous way, freeing Peter from captivity. This story reminds us of the power of prayer and the trust we should place in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
The second reading from 2 Timothy offers a deeply personal reflection from St. Paul, who, near the end of his life, expresses confidence in God’s plan. Paul acknowledges the struggles he has faced but affirms that he has remained faithful, trusting that God will bring his work to completion. His words encourage us to persevere in our own trials, knowing that God’s strength sustains us and that our ultimate reward awaits us in heaven.
Both readings remind us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a living relationship with God. Just as Peter and Paul trusted in God’s plan, even when their circumstances seemed hopeless, we too are called to place our trust in Him. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but these readings invite us to turn to prayer, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to the Gospel. Let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Paul, remembering that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments, and that He will see us through to eternal life.