Category Archives: Easter 6

When we have been with someone for quite some time, we begin to warm up to the person and become used to the person’s ways, habits, peculiarities and other things which we have begun to accept and live with. But the day will come when the person would need to go away for whatever reason, and when that day comes, how would we respond? Would we be prepared and ready to let go and give thanks to God? Or would we end up in an emotional mess?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me. Not one of you has asked, “Where are you going?” Yet you are sad at heart because I have told you this. Still, I must tell you the truth: it is for your own good that I am going because unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I do go, I will send him to you.” It must have been difficult for the disciples to let go of Jesus and begin their mission in spreading the Good News. But Jesus promised them that they would not be left alone, they would not be abandoned, since the Advocate would come to them, be with them and strengthen them.

In the same way, we may one day no longer have the presence of those we love and are used to, but we do have memories, and we have God to comfort us and guide us as we move on in our lives. Let us not be disheartened or feel sad, for God will not leave us orphaned or abandon us. Are we willing to be patient and let Him transform us into something better?

Each of us (especially those who were baptised as adults) would have had some sort of conversion story. Some stories could be spectacular, others may sound nothing out of the ordinary. However, a conversion story is nevertheless still a grace from God and an opportunity for all to give praise and thanks for God’s love and mercy. Sometimes a conversion story could inspire others who have not been baptised to seriously consider doing so; and also strengthen the resolve and conviction of those already baptised.

In today’s reading, the gaoler had an amazing conversion story. We read: “Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the gaoler woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The gaoler called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” What could have turned out to be the gaoler’s untimely death due to suicide, was transformed into a death to his old self and a birth to his new self. The gaoler and all his household were baptised. What an amazing turn of events!

Do we still remember our conversion story and continue to remain in our new selves? Or have we slacken and gradually returned to our old selves? At our baptism, we were enthusiatic and excited to become a child of God, a new creation. Let us not wane in such gusto and enthusiasm.