“But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” (Acts of the Apostles 16:28)
In commenting on these verses from today’s First Reading, Saint John Chrysostom writes:
“For whom did that event happen at midnight? And for whom was it accompanied by an earthquake? Listen to God’s dispensation and be filled with won der! The chains were loosed and the doors opened. But this event happened for the jailer alone. It was not for show but salvation. That the prisoners did not know they were freed is clear from what Paul says . . . , “He cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’” They would not have stayed within if they had known that the doors had been opened and they had been freed. Those who break through walls, leap over roofs and eaves and dare anything even when they are bound would have not tolerated staying when their chains had been loosed and the doors had been opened and the jailer sleeping. . . . And the imprisoned are usually bound during the night, and not during the day. With much care, therefore, he was able to see them carefully bound again and sleeping. If these things had been done during the day, there would have been a big riot. Why was the prison shaken by the earthquake? In order that the jailer might get up to see that spectacle: only he was worthy of salvation.” (Catena on the Acts of the Apostles, 16)
Collect
Grant, almighty and merciful God,
that we in truth receive a share
in the Resurrection of Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
that we in truth receive a share
in the Resurrection of Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
