Acts 16: 22-34; Psalm 138; John 16: 5-11
Stripped, beaten, chained. Paul and Silas respond with hymns “and the prisoners were listening.” What a countercultural response to injustice! When the bars are broken open by earthquake, none of the other prisoners take advantage and escape. Instead of suicide, the jailer asks in awe what he must do to be saved. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, and your whole household.” Within the next hour, the jailer tends their wounds, is catechized and is baptized! No RCIA! Yet, what courage because how well the jailer knows the consequences of being Christian. Yes, Jesus admits, his disciples will be sorrowful, but the Advocate will come to prove the world wrong about sin, righteousness and judgment.
How has the Spirit proved the world (and the church, and you) wrong about sin? About justice and holiness (synonyms in Greek for righteousness)? About judgment? What has the Spirit been teaching you about sin, justice and judgment? If nothing comes to mind at once, ask, and then be quiet and listen.
Forgive us our judgments, Jesus, especially about who is sinner and who is holy. Help us love AS you love us. Thank you for your Spirit who is love.