SERMON/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER 7TH MAY 2024

SERMON/ HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER 7TH MAY 2024

Acts 16:22-34; Ps.138; John 16:5-11

With God, disappointments become Blessings

Life continues to teach us that we are not always in control of everything that happens around and to us. Often times, we wish that certain things never happened. It could be an impeding unpleasant situation that we have prayed against, yet it materialized. Such experiences could leave us demoralized. The readings of today address us in such a demoralized atmosphere. The readings teach us that God can always create something wonderful out of every ugly situation, such that the ugly situation becomes a necessary springboard for the consequent wonder that followed it. But this can only come about if we don’t stop believing in the power of God in whatever happens around and to us.

In the first reading, it was rather unfortunate that Paul and Silas were attacked by the crowd of Philippians, not for any wrong they have done but for bringing them the goodnews. Matters got worse when the magistrates ordered that Paul and Silas be put in prison. To repay good with evil is heartbreaking; more still, Paul and Silas were only messengers. They could have chosen to be filled with regrets for ever identifying with Christ; an identification that has brought them into prison. Instead, they chose to identify more with Christ in their predicament. Their imprisonment met for them solidarity with the crucified Christ. For this, they were filled with Joy and started praying and singing hymns.

This must have surprised other prisoners and the Jailer. When people are arrested for a crime committed, they are usually sober. If one is then arrested for an action that is not criminal, even angrier should the person be. Yet, Paul and Silas had the gut to pray and sing to God in prison. As the other prisoners watched Paul and Silas pray and sing, they too were inspired by their faith. Through their active listening, salvation reached them. So, when they Lord acted, the chains of everyone was unfastened. This liberation was more spiritual than physical.

The Jailer could not understand all that had happened. Worse still, the prisoners did not escape even after their chains were unfastened. It was clear to the Jailer that God’s power was at work. No prisoner will make effort to unfasten his chains and still remain in the prison. For them to have remained, only means that it was a spiritual liberation. In his bewilderment, the Jailer asked to be saved; he too desired such freedom. Beloved, the Lord purposely allowed Paul and Silas to enter into prison so that the prisoners and the Jailer can access the message of salvation.

In the gospel reading, Jesus spoke about his departure. This did not go down well with the disciples. Then, Jesus noted that if he doesn’t go away, the Counsellor will not come. That is, his departure is for a greater good. Dear friends, let us be encouraged to always unite our unpleasant situations to God in prayers. Problems should not take you away from Jesus. The closer you bring your problems to Jesus, the surer your deliverance.