Daily Readings - Sun Jun 29 2025
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, 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.