Daily Readings - Tue May 27 2025

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

Chapter 16

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 powerful narratives that highlight the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The first reading from Acts 16:22-34 recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, prayed and praised God. Their faith was met with a miraculous earthquake that freed them, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This episode illustrates the Holy Spirit's active presence in times of adversity, turning suffering into an opportunity for salvation. The Gospel from John 16:5-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' farewell discourse, where he speaks of the Holy Spirit's role as the Advocate. Jesus explains that his departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the Spirit's mission to guide believers and illuminate the truth, even in the face of uncertainty and change. Both readings intertwine the Holy Spirit's dynamic role in the lives of believers. In Acts, the Spirit's power leads to physical freedom and spiritual conversion. In John, the Spirit's presence promises guidance and truth. These narratives remind us to trust in God's plan, even in difficult times, and to remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in our lives. As we navigate our own challenges, may we find hope in the Spirit's presence, embracing the joy and faith that lead to a deeper connection with God. Let us call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us, that we may live with courage, trust, and openness to God's will.