Daily Readings - Sat Jun 29 2019
Acts
1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
2 Timothy
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith and God’s providence in the face of adversity. In the first reading from Acts, we see Peter imprisoned by King Herod, but through the prayers of the Church and the intervention of an angel, Peter is miraculously freed. This story highlights the importance of prayer and trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem hopeless. The second reading from 2 Timothy finds Paul reflecting on his own struggles and persecutions, yet he remains steadfast in his faith, knowing that the Lord has stood with him and will bring him safely to eternal glory. Both readings emphasize the idea that our trials are not in vain and that God’s grace is sufficient to see us through.
In the Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is, and Peter, inspired by divine revelation, confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. This confession is a turning point in the Gospel narrative, as it leads to Jesus declaring Peter as the rock upon which he will build his Church. This passage reminds us of the importance of faith and the role each of us plays in building up the Body of Christ. Just as Peter was called to be a foundation of the Church, we too are called to live out our faith with courage and fidelity.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God and our commitment to living out our faith. Like Peter, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we can take heart in knowing that God is always with us, guiding us and strengthening us. Let us pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, to trust in God’s plan, and to bear witness to the truth of who Jesus is in our daily lives. May we, like Peter and Paul, be faithful disciples, confident in the knowledge that God’s power and love will ultimately prevail.