Today’s 1st reading (Acts 16:22-34) takes us to Philippi where Paul had just exorcised a troublesome spirit from a slave girl. Of course that alarmed & enraged her masters who dragged Paul & Silas into the main square. They were severely beaten, flogged & even chained to a stake in a maximum security prison. It is remarkable that, despite the harsh treatment & confinement, Paul & Silas were praying & singing hymns to God, even at midnight. However, this is turned into an occasion of teaching & conversion when they are freed from their chains & the jailer sees this. As a result, the jailer is converted to the faith. During their ordeal, Paul & Silas kept their focus on God, not on their suffering. They were indeed relying on the response to today's psalm (Ps 138): “Your right hand saves me, O Lord.” They give us a lesson for living each day: the more we are persecuted, the more we should pray. In John's gospel, we hear Jesus telling the disciples to stay firm in their faith. His words seem to be a preview of Paul’s & Silas’ travails in Philippi. “Not only will they expel you from synagogues; a time will come when anyone who puts you to death will claim to be serving God.”(Jn 16:2) Jesus then promised that, even as they are overcome with grief, it is better for Him to return to the Father because, “If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send him to you. When He comes, He will prove the world wrong about sin, about justice, about condemnation.” (Jn 16:7-8) In these days of uncertainty & fear of what the future will look like, we need to rely on the promise of Jesus & listen for Holy Spirit wisdom. Like Paul & Silas, our focus must be on God & not on any suffering we are experiencing, however great or small. When fear & nervousness rob us of sleep at midnight, let us, like Paul & Silas, pray. We do have, however, the power & guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to pray for a greater awareness of the Spirit’s action in our daily living. May the Holy Spirit keep us on the path of righteousness. Amen. Good morning & have blessed Tuesday.