HOMILY OF TUESDAY OF THE OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11
THEME: WINNING SOULS THROUGH OUR RESPONSE TO SITUATIONS
We can make changes in the world through our attitudes to the situations around us. When we show kindness to those who hate us, or remain calm in the face of confrontation, we may not know that the onlookers are observant. There are many people who emulate us in silence. They watch what we do and take lessons in their own lives.
It is true that some people must surely pay the price of peace. There is no peaceful community without those who bleed inwardly to maintain sanity. We need an inner strength to stand straight amid tribulations.
In today’s first reading, Paul and Silas, when they were stripped and flogged and put into prison they did not take to complaining or lamentation. Rather, they were singing praises to God. Even when the prison was rocked by earthquake and they had the opportunity of escape, they remained calm. This gave them the space to lead the gaoler to salvation.
They demonstrated that they were fulfilled both in need and abundance, in joy and in sorrow. They had the blessed assurance of the Lord who works in them to will and to do.
Hence, the Lord invites us to total trust in him. We need his spirit to maintain our equilibrium.
May the Spirit of the Lord keep us strong that we may endure the challenges we meet in our Christian journey. Amen.
