Daily Readings - Tue May 16 2023
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 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.