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In our 1st reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are beaten with rods and imprisoned for preaching in Philippi. As they sit in a dark prison, with their feet tied to a stake, they provide us an incredible example of faith. Their great faith and love of God allow them to rise above their physical pain and suffering by praying and singing hymns.
This act of devotion may remind us of the 3 young men in the 3rd chapter of Daniel who sang praises to God as they were cast into a fiery furnace for refusing to deny their faith.
Of course, there are many other examples of faith from martyred Saints throughout history that serve to inspire and encourage us during our own trials and tribulations.
So how can we develop a faith that allow us to respond with praise and thanksgiving during difficult times?
The challenge in this life is to nurture our faith each day with prayer and maintain a “grateful heart”. St. Paul, the same Apostle from our first reading today, went on to write many of the books in the New Testament. In his letter to the Thessalonians, he tells us: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
If we look at the challenges in our lives through the eyes of faith, it will help us to maintain the right perspective…we will be more inclined to see the glass as “half full” instead of “half empty”. If we share this “attitude of gratitude” with others they may be inspired like the witnesses in our first reading. The jailer was so moved by Paul and Silas’ example of faith that he took them into his home and his whole household was baptized.
As we reflect on the hardships in our lives through the lens of faith, let us pray without ceasing for the devotion we need to always give thanks and set an example of gratitude for those around us.
-Deacon Steve Whiteman