Daily Readings - Thu Jun 29 2023
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 weave together themes of faith, divine intervention, and the foundation of the Church. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter's miraculous escape from prison, emphasizing the Church's unwavering prayers and God's timely intervention. This story highlights the strength found in communal faith and the belief in God's providence, even in the face of adversity. The second reading from 2 Timothy offers Paul's personal testament to his faith journey, expressing trust in God's deliverance and the ultimate triumph of salvation. Paul's confidence serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our faith will be rewarded.
The Gospel from Matthew marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, as Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ lays the foundation for the Church. Jesus' response establishes Peter as the rock upon which the Church is built, symbolizing stability and enduring faith. This passage underscores the importance of individual and collective confession of faith, which is the bedrock of the Church's identity.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and prayer in our lives. Just as the early Church prayed for Peter's deliverance and Paul trusted in God's plan, we too can find strength in our faith community and personal trust in God. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate Peter's courage in professing our faith and to trust in God's providence, even when challenges arise. Let us draw inspiration from these narratives, deepening our commitment to prayer and trust in God, and living as faithful members of the Church founded on the rock of Peter's confession.