Daily Readings - Tue May 11 2021
Acts
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten.23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.
John
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief.7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me;10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that illuminate the presence and power of God in times of adversity. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being imprisoned and beaten, continued to pray and praise God. Their unwavering faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them, and subsequently, the jailer and his family converted to Christianity. This passage highlights the transformative power of faith and prayer, even in the face of persecution.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure, reassuring them that His leaving is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus explains, will guide the disciples in truth and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage underscores the comfort and guidance the Holy Spirit provides, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with courage and wisdom.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of divine intervention and support in difficult times. In Acts, God's intervention is physical, freeing Paul and Silas and leading to conversion. In John, the intervention is spiritual, with the Holy Spirit offering guidance and strength. Both narratives remind us that God is ever-present, providing the necessary support to overcome adversity.
In our daily lives, we face various challenges, much like Paul, Silas, and the disciples. These readings encourage us to embrace prayer and trust in God's plan, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. Just as the jailer found faith through Paul and Silas, we too can be instruments of God's grace, spreading His Word and love.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us through life's trials. Let us, like Paul and Silas, remain steadfast in prayer and faith, trusting that God's plan is always for our good. As we navigate life's challenges, may we find strength in the Holy Spirit and share God's love with others, leading them to faith and conversion.