Daily Readings - Thu Jun 29 2023
Acts
1It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.4After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him.9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
2 Timothy
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will 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.