Readings: Acts 16:22-34, Ps. 138:1-3,7-8, John 16:5-11)_
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus continues His lecture on the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God present in the world today. We cannot see the Holy Spirit with our eyes, but we can see His works and events, which defy human explanation. Recall how the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, making her conceive without the intervention of a man. Something similar happens in today’s first reading. Paul and Silas were thrown in prison, but at night, while they were praying and singing, there was a special earthquake. The Holy Spirit is our helper; He gets things done. This brings us to our lessons today:
1. You Never Walk Alone: “If I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” Never assume you are on your own. Learn to be conscious of God’s presence in and around you every moment. Psalm 139:7-13 reads: “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there, your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as day, for darkness is as light to you. You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.”
2. You Are Never Alone Even When Things Do Not Go As Planned: It is easy for us to think we are alone when bad things happen to us. It is easy to forget God when faced with trouble. We sing and dance in excitement and jubilation when good things happen. We go to the Church for Thanksgiving and sing with all our hearts. However, in sad moments, we find it very hard to pray, talkless of singing praises to God. Paul and Silas teach us a very important lesson today – praise God even in bad times. How do we summon courage to praise God when it seems He failed to protect us from evil? Remember that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is always with you; He knows why it happened this way. Trust that He knows what to do and Paise Him. Paise the Holy Spirit with all your heart.
3. Be Committed to Winning Souls for God’s Kingdom: Paul and Silas did not move an inch when the earthquake flung open prison gates. They would have left before the jailer noticed if they only wanted to escape. The Holy Spirit will help you solve all your problems, but remember to use every opportunity to spread the Good News. What is the essence of escaping prison if at least one person is not brought from darkness to light? When the jailer saw what happened, he asked Peter: “What must I do to be saved?” The same man who was cruel to Peter and Silas took them to his house, nursed their wounds and received baptism. Let this inspire you to share the Good News with others.
4. The Holy Spirit is Our Teacher: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as one who convicts the world of three special subjects: sin, righteousness and judgement. These are subjects that the people of the world are not interested in. No one wants to hear the word “sin” (even modern-day preachers avoid it), not to mention “judgement” or “righteousness.” As a teacher, the Holy Spirit awakens our conscience. The Holy Spirit is the voice we hear when we have not lived up to expectations. Learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking from the depths of your heart, guiding you on the right path.
Let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Tuesday of the 6th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 16:22-34, Ps. 138:1-3,7-8, John 16:5-11).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu