Acts 16:22-34
John 16:5-11
Whenever we face trials and tribulations, that is when our faith is being put to the test. That is also the time when we will know how much we trust we have in God to help and save us. In today’s first reading, Paul and Silas suffered persecution and flogging and then thrown into prison.But despite d suffering, they keep to their faith and even late at night they were praying and singing God’s praises. For the other prisoners who were listening, they were certainly surprised that despite their awful circumstances, Paul and Silas were still in high spirits and far from being dejected. The wonder and beauty of faith in the face of tribulation is that it opens believers to the signs and wonders of God. The faith of Paul and Silas indeed brought about the signs and wonders of God. As a result, the jailer was converted, him and his entire household. In tough times and tribulations, what do you do – hold firm to your faith or complain?
Out of an ugly situation, God brings beauty and glamour. Like the psalmist tells us today, “ you stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord. The Lord stretches himself towards us, we need to stretch towards Him always in order to merit the gift of salvation and empowerment. Save us O Lord for we need you. We need the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. Through, the Holy Spirit, impossibilities become possible. Though there is hostility on Christians, docility to the actions of the Holy Spirit, will set us free from within.
Fr Joseph Osho
