The Lord break the chains of sin and death

Acts 16:22-34, Jn 16:5-11. Today, we are invited to reflect on the power of God that is always with His faithful ones. The Lord promised us that He will not abandon us in our dark moment and when the enemies seek our destruction. Today's first reading recounts how Paul and Silas were arrested by the owners of the city of Philippi who likely feared their influence, wisdom and eloquence that they were afraid that their slaves would rise up against them. When they have been tortured and put into prison, God did not leave them, but was with them as He miraculously freed them from prison through an earthquake that broke their chains in the prison cells.

Again, God broke yet another bond that has chained another person, not physically but spiritually. The jailer who that night watched the miracle that happened, heard the preaching of the Apostles and witnessed their faith, became a believer. Through that act of faith, the jailer and his family were freed from the bondage and slavery of sin and God brought them into a new life and existence, no longer following the path of the world but that of Christ and His truth. In today’s Gospel, Christ clearly explained this to His disciples, that He was going away to His Father, so that He can bring vindication and salvation to all the faithful through the Advocate. In the midst of trial, the Advocate strengthens us in bearing witness to Christ. The Advocate gives us opportunities in bitter circumstances, to confront the world by our counter-witnessing.

May the Lord grant us courage of the Apostles so that they may be our inspiration and source of strength, to be ever more devoted and more like Christ in our lives and actions! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!