he will guide you to all truth. JN 16:7, 13
ACTS 16:22-34
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
Far too few Christians today, like Paul and Silas and those in the early Church, are prepared to suffer greatly for the sake of the Gospel. We mollycoddle ourselves and have made of our faith something comfortable and convenient. It does not disturb us nor does it disturb anyone else and it certainly has not brought anyone to the Truth, least of all ourselves. We are complacent about our faith. We take it for granted. We keep it strictly within boundaries lest we offend anyone.
The early Christians had no such inhibitions. They were on fire with the Holy Spirit and wanted everyone to come to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved. Nothing fazed them. Not persecution, not floggings, not imprisonment, not stoning, and not death. Paul and Silas were actually praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listened.
When the earthquake caused the prison doors to fly open and the chains to come loose, the jailor was so afraid that the prisoners had escaped he was ready to kill himself but all assured him that they were all still there. The jailor was so grateful and so impressed by their faith he asked to be saved. Not only he but his entire household was saved and everyone rejoiced.
Are we spending these days of lockdown praying and singing hymns to God? Or are we bored, listless, anxious, fearful, violent, dissipated, and passing this God-given time with every useless activity?
PSALM 138:1-3, 7C-8
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
If You had not made our soul Your sanctuary we would be bereft at this time for we are deprived of the Food that wells up to life in us.
Even in the midst of the enforced fast from the Eucharist, You are still with us. True to Your Name, You are Emmanuel. This is more than enough reason for us to sing Your praises and give thanks with all the fervor of our souls.
Thank You for Your great kindness and love and thank You also for the sure knowledge that this life is passing and that death opens the door to eternal life with You.
JOHN 16:5-11
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
Continuing Your beautiful farewell discourse with Your disciples during this final meal with Your closest friends, You understand their grief at their parting from You. You too are sorry to leave Your friends whom You had formed and prepared to carry on the great mission. So before the terrible ordeal was to begin culminating in Your crucifixion and death on the Cross, You promise to give them another wonderful gift of the Consoler, the Counselor, the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Helper, to console them after You are gone. It is the gift par excellence, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the fullness of the Love of the Father's love for You and Your love for the Father. He is the fullness of joy, of truth, and of life. This is the Gift that You have sent us to live in us, to reign in us, to lead us and guide us. To all who believe in You, he brings the fullness of His love, joy, life, peace, and truth. Thank You!
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