Daily Readings - Tue May 27 2025

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

Chapter 16

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 powerful narratives that highlight the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The first reading from Acts 16:22-34 recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, prayed and praised God. Their faith was met with a miraculous earthquake that freed them, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This episode illustrates the Holy Spirit's active presence in times of adversity, turning suffering into an opportunity for salvation. The Gospel from John 16:5-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where he speaks of the Holy Spirit's role as the Advocate. Jesus explains that his departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the Spirit's mission to guide believers and illuminate the truth, even in the face of uncertainty and change. Both readings intertwine the Holy Spirit's dynamic role in the lives of believers. In Acts, the Spirit's power leads to physical freedom and spiritual conversion. In John, the Spirit's presence promises guidance and truth. These narratives remind us to trust in God's plan, even in difficult times, and to remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in our lives. As we navigate our own challenges, may we find hope in the Spirit's presence, embracing the joy and faith that lead to a deeper connection with God. Let us call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us, that we may live with courage, trust, and openness to God's will.