Daily Readings - Tue May 23 2017

First Reading - Acts 16.22-34

²²And the people rushed together against them. And the magistrates, tearing their tunics, ordered them to be beaten with staffs²³And when they had inflicted many scourges on them, they cast them into prison, instructing the guard to watch them diligently²⁴And since he had received this kind of order, he cast them into the interior prison cell, and he restricted their feet with stocks²⁵Then, in the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and praising God. And those who were also in custody were listening to them²⁶Yet truly, there was a sudden earthquake, so great that the foundations of the prison were moved. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bindings of everyone were released²⁷Then the prison guard, having been jarred awake, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword and intended to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled²⁸But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying: "Do no harm to yourself, for we are all here!²⁹Then calling for a light, he entered. And trembling, he fell before the feet of Paul and Silas³⁰And bringing them outside, he said, "Sirs, what must I do, so that I may be saved?³¹So they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and then you will be saved, with your household.³²And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house³³And he, taking them in the same hour of the night, washed their scourges. And he was baptized, and next his entire household³⁴And when he had brought them into his own house, he set a table for them. And he was joyous, with his entire household, believing in God

Gospel - John 16.5-11

John

Chapter 16

⁵But I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. And now I am going to him who sent me. And no one among you has asked me, ‘Where are you going?⁶But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart⁷But I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I am going. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But when I will have gone away, I will send him to you⁸And when he has arrived, he will argue against the world, about sin and about justice and about judgment⁹about sin, indeed, because they have not believed in me¹⁰about justice, truly, because I am going to the Father, and you will not see me any longer¹¹about judgment, then, because the prince of this world has already been judged

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that illuminate the power of faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts 16:22-34 recounts the trials of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and imprisoned, prayed and praised God. Their faith was met with a miraculous earthquake that freed them and led to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This story highlights the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the unexpected ways God can work through suffering. The Gospel reading from John 16:5-11 shifts our focus to Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains that His departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, preparing His disciples for His departure and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and comfort them. These readings intertwine beautifully, as both illustrate the Holy Spirit's role in transformation. In Acts, the Spirit's power leads to miraculous freedom and conversion, while in John, the Spirit is promised as a guide and comforter. Together, they remind us that faith, even in difficult times, can lead to unexpected blessings and that the Holy Spirit is ever-present to guide us. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, especially when faced with challenges. Just as Paul and Silas found strength in prayer and praise, we too can find peace in trusting God. The Holy Spirit, as promised, is our advocate, guiding us through life's uncertainties. Let us embrace the Spirit's presence, allowing Him to transform our hearts and lead us to a deeper faith. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's providence and remain open to the Holy Spirit's transformative work in our lives.