Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8, John 16:5-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS:  Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8, 

                                                                   John 16:5-11

Acts 16:22-34

Beloved, in this narrative about what happened to Paul and Silas, we see how the Christian who lives the mission commissioned by You must live.  The servant is not greater than the Master.  You  have aready warned Your disciples that if You were persecuted and treated ignominously then we who follow must expect to be treated in like manner.

St. Paul tells us that their clothes were torn, they were flogged, they were thrown into prison and their feet were chained to stocks yet they sang hymns of praise and they prayed that nigh.  When we trust You so completely You will never fail us.  You rocked the earth, broke their chains and the doors burst open.  This is what happens to those who believe, hope and trust in You.  You set us free from the bonds of sin that held us imprisoned for so long.

Instead of escaping and thus causing difficulties for the guards they chose to stay and in doing so their jailer was so impressed that he too wanted what they had - YOU.  Their response to this gift of faith of service to Your disciples Paul and Barnabas.  Their whole family was baptized and all were saved.  Truly Your ways are not man's ways.

John 16:5-11

Beloved, You are leaving to return to Your Father and You assure us that this is a matter of joy.  It is only when You return to the Father that You will be able to send Your Holy Spirit, the Helper to us.  he it is who will permeate our entire being with His grace, his power and the Presence of God.  He will live, move and have His Being in us.  he will be our Helper, Consoler, Comforter and Guide and he will lead us into all Truth.

You ask 3 questions and You provide the answer to each of them.

1) What is sin?

Sin is refusing to believe in You.  Anyone who having heard of You and being convinced of the truth  that all You did when You walked the earth 2000 plus years ago could not be done unless He were divine, but despite this knowledge still refused to accept and acknowledge that You are indeed the Messiah, Redeemer and Savior of the world is guilty of sin.  

2)  What is the Way to Righteousness?

You are the way to righteousness and You are the sign through which we enter into the Father's house.

3)  What is judgment?

Satan has been vanquished, defeated and crushed by Your obedience and humility in laying down Your life in order that God's people may live.

We are saved, redeemed and sanctified by You Beloved Jesus and our song is alleluia!

Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8

 1 I thank you, O Lord, with all my heart,

for you have heard the word of my lips.

I sing your praise in the presence of the gods.

2 I bow down towards your holy temple

and give thanks to your name,

for your love and faithfulness,

for your word which exceeds everything.

3 You answered me when I called;

you restored my soul and made me strong.

 7 If I walk in the midst of trouble,

you give me life.

With outstretched arm,

you save me from the wrath of my foes,

with your right hand you deliver me.

8 How the Lord cares for me!

Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever.

Forsake not the work of your hands.