May 19, 2020 Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter–A

Acts of the Apostles: 16:22-34

Psalm 138

John 16:5-11 

About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened… Acts 16:25

Lord, in his travels for you Paul and his companions never knew when or where they would encounter people that you had chosen to receive the Good News of redemption. After a severe beating by an unruly crowd Paul and Silas were thrown into prison and kept in a high security lock down. After their beating and without having their wounds treated they didn’t despair or give up. They prayed and sang hymns of praise to you in their cell. The other prisoners and the jailer saw how they continued to praise God even in desperate circumstances. As dark as their situation appeared they knew that even then they needed to trust God and persevere in living their faith. This so amazed those around them that they were won over to believe in you.  Lord, how many times have I been so focused on my own wounds and difficulties that I have forgotten to praise you?  It’s so easy to rely on my own resources and not turn to you in trust. An earthquake freed Paul but the Holy Spirit held him in place to achieve an even greater freedom, that of winning souls for you. You are worthy of all praise. Remind me to sing to you always.  Amen Alleluia