reason to sing

Link to worthy Mother's Day homily by Bishop of St. Augustine Florida: click here

Acts 16:22-34; Psalm 138 YOur right hand saves me, O Lord; John 16:5-11


Today we encounter Paul and his companions entering onto the soil of Europe in a little place called Philippi. For the first time, the gospel of Christ is being preached on european soil.

Immediately Paul makes several converts: lydia, a wealthy merchant, a slave girl, and a Roman jailer. Each one of these people were from different social classes: top, bottom and middle. Paul converted the gamut of society and shows how the gospel is meant for all peoples. Paul shows how the preaching of Jesus is meant to be the bridge that closes the gap between peoples.


Paul and his companions are arrested and beaten for preaching. They are thrown in jail and chained to the floor.
Certainly, these were not the expected outcomes of their mission. Yet, Paul and his companions do something unthinkable.

They do not complain, pout, or grow bitter. They simply and faithfully pray and sing hymns. Paul and his companions never let their circumstances dictate their joy but they let their joy be the driving force in their life. Joy is not about what is going on outside but who is going on inside. Keep close to Jesus and we keep joy alive.


This explains why Paul in his letter to Philippi years later reminds the faithful that they should "rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

Paul is reminding them of how he and his companions carried themselves that first time and every time thereafter.

Joy is not a feeling, joy is rather about faithfulness. We are faithful then we will always have a song in our heart and reason to sing upon our lips.