Daily Readings - Tue May 16 2023
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 transformative power of faith and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned for their faith, prayed and praised God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and all the other prisoners. This event caught the attention of the jailer, who, fearing the worst, was about to end his life. However, Paul's compassionate intervention led the jailer to seek salvation, resulting in the baptism of him and his household. This story highlights how faith can turn even the darkest situations into opportunities for grace and conversion.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing his disciples for his departure, explaining that his leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where he reassures the disciples that though his physical presence will be gone, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower them. The Holy Spirit's role is to reveal truth and bring light to a world in need of redemption.
Both readings beautifully interweave the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. In Acts, we see the Holy Spirit's power in action, freeing Paul and Silas and leading the jailer to faith. In John, we understand the Holy Spirit's mission to guide and convict, ensuring that Christ's work continues through his followers. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not in vain and that the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding us through life's challenges.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. Just as Paul and Silas faced imprisonment with faith and prayer, we too can face our trials with trust in God's plan. The jailer's conversion shows us that even in unexpected moments, God can bring about transformation. Similarly, Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit assures us that we are not alone; we have a divine Advocate who strengthens and guides us. Let us, therefore, embrace the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, allowing Him to lead us in truth and righteousness. May our faith be as bold as Paul and Silas, and may we, like the jailer, be open to the transformative power of God's grace.