Daily Readings - Sun Jun 29 2025
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, deliverance, and the unwavering trust in God’s providence. The first reading from Acts recounts Peter’s miraculous escape from prison, highlighting the early Church’s perseverance amidst persecution. The community’s ceaseless prayers and Peter’s tranquil trust in God illustrate the transformative power of faith. In the second reading, Paul reflects on his life’s end, expressing confidence in God’s salvation and the eternal glory awaiting believers. His words inspire us to remain steadfast, even in the face of adversity. The Gospel from Matthew presents a pivotal moment where Jesus, through Peter’s confession, establishes the foundation of the Church, symbolizing the rock of faith that sustains us.
These readings are intricately connected, each emphasizing trust in divine intervention. Peter’s deliverance and Paul’s reflections remind us that our faith, though tested, is a gift from God. The Gospel underscores that this faith is the bedrock of the Church, a community built on unwavering belief. Together, they call us to trust God in all circumstances, recognizing His presence in our struggles and victories.
In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to embrace faith as our compass. When faced with challenges, we are reminded to pray fervently and trust in God’s plan. Like Peter and Paul, we are called to stand firm, knowing that our faith is a divine gift. Let us draw strength from these narratives, living with the confidence that God’s deliverance and grace are ever-present, guiding us through life’s trials and triumphs.