Acts 16:22-34, Psalm 138: 1-2, 7-8, John 16:5-11

What struck me when I first read today’s readings was the part of the Psalm, “The Lord will complete what he has done for me.” I retired over ten years ago. The idea of completing the work a person has to do is a topic I have thought about a lot. Since retiring I’ve come realize I’m not done doing things even though my last job, as a Pastoral Minister in the Church is over. It feels good to know that God may well have more for me to do and even now after years in retirement I continue to discover what’s next as life moves on.

This, I believe, is the kind of real world peace and confidence that should be the result of the Spirit being present in our lives. The more dramatic example is the story in Acts today when Paul and Silas are freed from prison by an earthquake but don’t leave the jail. They probably didn’t know what was coming next but they believed that they were safe and that whatever was best to do next would emerge in the situation just like the earthquake. Contrast their calm demeanor with the jailor who apparently was completely unnerved and afraid he was at risk if the prisoners escaped.

This is also an example of what Jesus was trying to tell the disciples in today’s Gospel. They would be better off when the Spirit came to be part of their lives. Jesus, the historical human being could only function in his time and place, with his friends at the time. But the Spirit of Jesus is free to be a part of all of our lives and has led to our understanding the significance of Jesus who lived, died and is truly risen. He is still living with us, giving us courage and peace to take each day as a gift of God and to look forward to what is next.