“Do No Harm to Yourself” by Melanie Rigney (@melanierigney)

“Do No Harm to Yourself” by Melanie Rigney

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

.. 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." (Acts 16:26-28)

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

“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. 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 16:5-7)

Piety

Lord, I offer gratitude for the times you have sent the Advocate and advocates when I have been in despair.

Study

The doors flew open. The prisoners’ chains were pulled loose. And earthquake or no earthquake, the jailer knew who would be blamed for the escapes: him. Better to die a quick, private death than torture and public humiliation, he decided, drawing his sword. There was no other way out.

But there was. And it was those who had been physically imprisoned who saved him, Paul calling out, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” It was a conversion moment none of them likely expected. But in total despair, the jailer found Christ’s mercy in the form of Paul and Silas.

The jailer and his entire family were baptized into the faith. The next day, Paul and Silas were formally released.

Consider, on the other hand, the way Judas’ life ended. Jesus had been turned over to the authorities, and Judas knew who would be blamed: him. Better to die a quick, private death than account for this seemingly unforgivable sin, he decided, putting the noose around his neck. There was no other way out.

It happens all the time, people feeling boxed in by their situations, whether they caused them or they were victims of circumstance. When we observe them, who will we be: those who turned away from Judas, or Paul and Silas?

Action

Examine your own soul. Is there something you believe is unforgivable? Pray for the strength to unbind yourself with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Image credit: Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons.