FORTUNATE CRISES
The personalities in the first reading are quite a contrast. First, it presents Paul and Silas in a dire predicament. They are attacked, stripped, beaten and thrown into prison. In an era of persecution, this should have been a hopeless plight. Yet, the reactions of Paul and Silas are perplexing. They are in a serene state of prayer and singing hymns to God. Their actions demonstrate the overwhelming peace attributed to their faith and hope in God.
Along side Paul and Silas's calmness and unruffled peace, is the jailer. At first, while the prison is secured, he is asleep and unconcerned about the prisoners. After the shock of the earthquake he becomes unsettled and disturbed to the point of becoming suicidal.
These two scenarios portray how we cope with tragedy and adversity in our lives. The options laid out are clear. Paul and Silas convey to us that even in great times of trouble or crises good things will come from suffering if we have faith, hope and listen to the Holy Spirit. As a result, their trials and suffering became the source of conversion for the prisoners, the suicidal jailer and his family. In comparison, the jailer's dilemma was minor. His perception was warped by the stress and anxiety of losing the prisoners. It took Paul and Silas's example of faith to convince the jailer to believe in the Lord Jesus and calm his fears. Even for the jailer, what he perceived as a misfortune became the opportunity for growth once he believes in Jesus and allows to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Arcides Cruz
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