Shedding a Little Light

“On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ The chains fell from his wrists.” Acts 12: 6-7

“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.” 2 Timothy 4: 17-18

Both Peter and Paul were taken and imprisoned. An angel of God rescued Peter. Paul was strengthened by his trust in God and remained in his cell but continued to preach even to the guards. His situation did not deter him.

We live in a world where some people are now being detained and held and while that may not be our situation, there are other ways to be “held prisoner.” Some may be trapped in a cycle of abuse from which they can see no way out. Some may be trapped by poverty and others by loneliness. Many of us are trapped by labels that others place upon us. Many of us are held captive in our own minds by the hurtful or cruel words spoken to us by others. We replay those hurtful times over and over and let them live rent free in our heads.

If we trust in the Lord, God will rescue us. That rescue may not look the way we think. It will not necessarily remove us from our situation, but it will give us new eyes to see the opportunities presented to us in our current dilemma. It might raise awareness in others or make us bolder. In any case, our minds will be made more peaceful and directed when we put our trust in God. The help God sends indeed may be an angel or it may be a dream, or consolation or advice from a friend. God saves and it is our job to trust in Him and act accordingly. Ask St. Peter and St. Paul to help you trust the way that they did and to help you to …

Keep Living in the Light

Bernie