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Joy in affliction

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of sixth week if Easter, 2021

Acts 16: 22-34

Ps 138

John 16:5-11

Joy in affliction

Dear friends in Christ, as human beings we are limited in the knowledge of what the future might bring. People are often troubled about their present situation particularly when they suffer. Afflictions had lured many away from the true faith as they seek solutions that are not in line with the faith. Patience in affliction yields great results.

 

In our first reading today (Acts 16:22-34) Paul, Timothy and Silas got into trouble for delivering a soothsayer. Philippi at the time, was a Roman colony, on the via-Egnatia, a road that connected Babylon with Rome. It was built as a settlement for army veterans. Though retired, they were very loyal and ready to defend the empire should the need arise. There was no doubt about it, that Paul and Silas had the full commitment and dedication to spread the word of God. As they were going out to the place of prayer, most likely where they had met Lydia, they met a possessed slave girl (cf. Acts 16:16ff) who was being used by her rich owners as a soothsayer, to foretell the future of their clients. For several days, this girl kept following Paul and his companions shouting, “These people are servants of the Most High God. They will make known to you a way of salvation.” In annoyance, for her disturbance, Paul exorcised her, and the spirit left her. The consequence was that the owners lost their means of income. In retaliation, they organised themselves and dragged Paul and his companions, before the magistrate and without trial, they were condemned, stripped, given many lashes of the cane, inflicting serious injuries on them and then thrown into prison.

 

This experience only made them more resolute, about their mission. In prison they prayed and sang God’s praises, they rejoiced in that, they had the privilege of sharing in the sufferings of Christ. While that was going on, God intervened, an earthquake shook the whole place and threw the gates open. The jailer was going to kill himself thinking the inmates had escaped, but Paul spoke to him and that night, himself and his household accepted the faith and were baptised. Paul and Silas will return to the house of Lydia, to recover before going on another mission.

 

Do not be afraid to do the will of God. When it comes with some hardship and suffering, be patient. God has a reason for it all. He alone brings good out of what humans consider evil.

 

Let us pray: Lord, give me the courage of an apostle, to continue to do your will even in difficult situations. Amen. 

+Remain blessed

 

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