Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

In today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, God rescues St.Paul and his companion Silas from Roman prison. But then St. Paul does something surprising. As the Roman guard was about to commit suicide, St.Paul stops him. The guard sees that he is unable to keep them bound. He asks the question, "what must I do to be saved?" (16:30). Paul's response is clearly concerned with eternal salvation: believe in Jesus. But I think in light of the context of the passage, the guard's question has more to do with an earthly salvation, a salvation from painful death as punishment by the Romans for his failure to secure his prisoners. Roman guards were punished severely for failure to guard well. This is likely why the guard was in the process of committing suicide; such a fate would be better than what would happen to him at the hands of his superiors.

And yet, St. Paul turns the question around. He does not explain how to avoid such punishment, but rather focuses on the true salvation to be had in Christ Jesus. Then notice what happens next. Paul and Silas explain the Gospel, explain what this salvation entails, to the guard and to his entire household, presumambly including his children. Then the entire household is baptized, presumambly including any infants that belonged to the family.

The guard received the same Advocate that Jesus promises in today's gospel reading. This is the Holy Spirit who convicts regarding sin and rightousness; this is the same Spirit who teaches the truth. This is the same Spirit that Jesus says will come when He departs from the earth.

Let us use the image of the Roman guard to help give us inspiration as we live out our Christian faith in our daily lives. Following Jesus does not mean that we will not suffer in this life, but it entails a gift far greater than anything we can imagine. The gift of thte Holy Spirit and that of eternal life which we received at our baptism should give us the courage to live as Christians in the world. Let us do what we know is right even when we may have to face difficult challenges. But let us face all such challenges in the light of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Jeff Morrow