Acts 16:22-34/ Ps 138:1-2ab. 2cde-3. 7c-8/ Jn 16:5-11

There are two aspects of today’s readings that could be of great solace to us as Christians. The first is that, based on the experience of Paul and Silas, we are never alone in whatever we go through, Christ goes through it with us. Any attack on us is an attack on the person of Christ himself. The second is that the promised Advocate will convince the world of sin. These two should be great consolation and sources of strength to us. The latter played out in the life of the jailer and his family too. The same jailer who was charged to keep Paul and Silas in prison, when he encountered the risen Lord, became convinced of the message of Christ, and in turn brought his whole family to Jesus. As we prepare for the Ascension of Christ, with the feeling of missing a loved one who is about to depart from us, we are strengthened that he will not leave us as orphans. His Spirit will always be there to support us and help convince and convert the world.

Prayer: Lord, we have your promise of the Advocate. May he support us in our difficult moments and help us to win souls for you. Amen