We Are All Here

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

By Melanie Rigney

Around midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened, there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose.  When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” He asked for a light and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once. He brought them up into his house and provided a meal and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God. (Acts 16:25-34)

Your right hand saves me, O Lord. (Psalm 138:7c)

“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.” (John 16:7)

Piety

Lord, help me to stay strong and firm in faith.

Study

Why didn’t Paul and Silas get out while the getting was good?

Because Christians don’t run.

Jesus didn’t urge his followers to do something, anything, to stop the soldiers from taking him into custody after the Last Supper. He didn’t bellow at them to create a diversion so that he could get away. “Thy will be done” for him were more than words in a pretty prayer.

In the same way, Paul and Silas stayed because it was the Lord’s will. And we know from today’s first reading, they gained souls for the Father as a result: the jailer, who went from near-suicidal at the thought that they had escaped to taking them into his own home, caring for them and finding his soul changed. His household, for hearing the word of the Lord. And, surely, some of the other of the prisoners who had to have been fearful during the earthquake, and then amazed and full of wonder in the events that followed.

Around the world today, Catholics and other Christians go into dangerous areas to comfort and evangelize, well aware their safety is uncertain. They refuse to denounce the Lord, well aware their lives are at risk. They submit to God’s will and are obedient to His call, no matter where it leads. Why?

Because Christians don’t run.

Action

Don’t run away from an opportunity to stand up for your faith. Submit and obey.