Daily Readings - Wed Jun 29 2022
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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful stories of faith, persecution, and divine deliverance. The first reading from Acts recounts the dramatic rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Despite the dangers and Herod’s persecution, the early Christian community prayed ceaselessly for Peter, and God intervened in a miraculous way, freeing Peter from captivity. This story reminds us of the power of prayer and the trust we should place in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
The second reading from 2 Timothy offers a deeply personal reflection from St. Paul, who, near the end of his life, expresses confidence in God’s plan. Paul acknowledges the struggles he has faced but affirms that he has remained faithful, trusting that God will bring his work to completion. His words encourage us to persevere in our own trials, knowing that God’s strength sustains us and that our ultimate reward awaits us in heaven.
Both readings remind us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a living relationship with God. Just as Peter and Paul trusted in God’s plan, even when their circumstances seemed hopeless, we too are called to place our trust in Him. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but these readings invite us to turn to prayer, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to the Gospel. Let us draw strength from the examples of Peter and Paul, remembering that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments, and that He will see us through to eternal life.