Daily Readings - Tue May 11 2021
Acts
22And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard 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 every one's bands were loosed.27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
John
5But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?6But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9Of sin, because they believe not on me;10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that illuminate the presence and power of God in times of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, continued to pray and praise God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them, and subsequently, the jailer and his family converted to Christianity. This passage highlights the transformative power of faith and prayer, even in the face of persecution.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them that His leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus explains, will guide the disciples in truth and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the comfort and guidance the Holy Spirit provides, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with courage and wisdom.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of divine intervention and support in difficult times. In Acts, God's intervention is physical, freeing Paul and Silas and leading to conversion. In John, the intervention is spiritual, with the Holy Spirit offering guidance and strength. Both narratives remind us that God is ever-present, providing the necessary support to overcome adversity.
In our daily lives, we face various challenges, much like Paul, Silas, and the disciples. These readings encourage us to embrace prayer and trust in God's plan, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. Just as the jailer found faith through Paul and Silas, we too can be instruments of God's grace, spreading His Word and love.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us through life's trials. Let us, like Paul and Silas, remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting that God's plan is always for our good. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in the Holy Spirit and share God's love with others, leading them to faith and conversion.