Daily Readings - Thu Jun 29 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that weave together themes of faith, divine intervention, and the foundation of the Church. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter's miraculous escape from prison, emphasizing the Church's unwavering prayers and God's timely intervention. This story highlights the strength found in communal faith and the belief in God's providence, even in the face of adversity. The second reading from 2 Timothy offers Paul's personal testament to his faith journey, expressing trust in God's deliverance and the ultimate triumph of salvation. Paul's confidence serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our faith will be rewarded.
The Gospel from Matthew marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, as Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ lays the foundation for the Church. Jesus' response establishes Peter as the rock upon which the Church is built, symbolizing stability and enduring faith. This passage underscores the importance of individual and collective confession of faith, which is the bedrock of the Church's identity.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and prayer in our lives. Just as the early Church prayed for Peter's deliverance and Paul trusted in God's plan, we too can find strength in our faith community and personal trust in God. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate Peter's courage in professing our faith and to trust in God's providence, even when challenges arise. Let us draw inspiration from these narratives, deepening our commitment to prayer and trust in God, and living as faithful members of the Church founded on the rock of Peter's confession.