Patience in trial evangelizes

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary are set in circumstances of doubt confusion and extreme concern for the future. This experience is an occasion for many to become aware of the peace which is offered in trusting God to be in charge of the unfolding of events. The jailer is distraught in the passage from the Book of Acts. The earthquake has destroyed the building and the Paul and Silas, his prisoners, will escape and he and his family, according to Friar Jude Winkler will be severely punished. The Presence within Paul and Silas is witness to patience and joy in trial and the reaching out of the jailer to accept the invitation to Life results in the celebration of his new Baptism as a Believer who bears fruit in many as his story continues to set example. The Gospel of John presents dualistic comparisons between Life with Jesus and death as a consequence of rejection of Jesus invitation. As Jesus is preparing for His Passion, He advises that the Spirit, mystically the  Love of Father for Son and Son for Father, will be the experience of His followers and the Spirit will testify to the truths that failure to believe in Jesus is rejection of the Divine, the Father and the Son are one and the Evil One is condemned by God. The strength of these assertions are the needed support as we suffer through the times of confusion, doubt and deep concern.