Daily Readings - Tue May 16 2023
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 transformative power of faith and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned for their faith, prayed and praised God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and all the other prisoners. This event caught the attention of the jailer, who, fearing the worst, was about to end his life. However, Paul's compassionate intervention led the jailer to seek salvation, resulting in the baptism of him and his household. This story highlights how faith can turn even the darkest situations into opportunities for grace and conversion.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing his disciples for his departure, explaining that his leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where he reassures the disciples that though his physical presence will be gone, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower them. The Holy Spirit's role is to reveal truth and bring light to a world in need of redemption.
Both readings beautifully interweave the themes of faith, divine intervention, and the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. In Acts, we see the Holy Spirit's power in action, freeing Paul and Silas and leading the jailer to faith. In John, we understand the Holy Spirit's mission to guide and convict, ensuring that Christ's work continues through his followers. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not in vain and that the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding us through life's challenges.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. Just as Paul and Silas faced imprisonment with faith and prayer, we too can face our trials with trust in God's plan. The jailer's conversion shows us that even in unexpected moments, God can bring about transformation. Similarly, Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit assures us that we are not alone; we have a divine Advocate who strengthens and guides us. Let us, therefore, embrace the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, allowing Him to lead us in truth and righteousness. May our faith be as bold as Paul and Silas, and may we, like the jailer, be open to the transformative power of God's grace.