What must we do to be saved

What must we do to be saved

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Acts 16:22-34, Jn 16:5-11. Today's first reading recounts the prison experience of Paul and Silas: at midnight their prayers amid praise and worship was high unto the Lord: "All that is within them cried holy." Certainly, God responded to their supplications in His own way, as an earthquake broke down the prison gates, the jailer became the jailed. The jailer, suddenly, realised that he was the one in bondage and in need of salvation. When the gaoler woke up he saw his prison gates open, not knowing that Paul and Silas were inside he drew a sword intending to kill himself rather than been executed for neglecting his duty. Paul took pity on him, calmed him down and the man turned to them asking: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Then after a quick instruction about Jesus, he baptised the gaoler and his entire household. The grateful gaoler then threw a party for those who had been his prisoners.

Paul and Silas were physically thrown into the prison, but they refused to be held hostage by the prison walls. They displayed a very high level of mental freedom. They refused to bow to despair, frustration, hatred, revenge and above all, they refused to bow to self-pity. Situations of crisis are not only a test of our character but can lead to renewing our trust in the Lord. The courage manifested by Paul and Silas is a direct consequence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus in today's Gospel. The love of Jesus is no less able now than to bring things to a good outcome. Even from a threatening vortex like a viral pandemic, some worthwhile changes may emerge, let us know that our sorrows will turn into joy. The Holy Spirit inspires us to know God's will so that we can see as God sees.

May the Lord help us to be sources of hope, light and inspiration for others and be more attuned to God the source of all goodness! Amen!! Remain safe and have a pleasant day!!!

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