We are Easter people – we have been through the 40 days of Lent, we have grieved on Good Friday as we traveled the Stations of the Cross including the Crucifixion, and we have rejoiced and celebrated the Resurrection. Now we continue reading through the Acts of the Apostles as they go on as Easter people trying to understand and live the “next steps.” Our gospels have been from John as he tells the stories of Christ after His resurrection visiting with the apostles in different ways always explaining what is happening and what is about to happen. It is still difficult for the apostles to fully understand all of this (not unlike us at so many times) as they continue to navigate the rest of their journey.
Today’s first reading depicts a time well after Jesus has Ascended since Paul is now preaching the works of Christ and no longer persecuting the followers. Now Paul is on the side of those being persecuted, in fact, he is persecuted. As a child, I often wondered about this time what would it be like? I was enthralled with books and movies depicting these early Christians. I remember checking out many books in the library that told of these stories, *The Robe*, *Ben Hur*, *Quo Vadis*, for example. I would read them with great interest frequently imagining me at that time. How would I keep my faithfulness in the face of danger? Could I stand before the enemy and still firmly avow my God? What would I do as the jailer in this reading?
The jailer in this passage must have been very confused. He was ordered to keep these prisoners guarded securely – an order he took very seriously as he placed Paul and Silas in the inner cell and further secured them by chaining their feet. I’m sure he thought he was doing a great job until the earth quaked and everything changed. I can’t imagine what was going through his head as he realized he failed miserably at what he was charged to do. He was even going to take his own life for his failure. Yet somehow with all of this, he asks what he can do to be saved. Clearly his whole life is about to change – he certainly cannot keep this job, his family now saved but also in grave danger. I am in awe that rather than running as far as he could with all this happening, he is moved to ask to be saved. How do I nurture such faith as this man had? Our witness of God’s presence and power is more subtle and yet just as majestic. If I allow myself to truly see with the eyes of a Christian, I can see and feel earthquakes every day. The everyday miracles of new life, of found love, and unparalleled sacrifice – these are around me if I allow myself to see, if I resist the power of Satan to focus on the hate and contempt in this world and feel the good .…
In our gospel, Jesus is starting His good-bye. The apostles understandably are grieving – they are going to lose Him again. They cannot yet see the whole picture and how this story must unfold. Perhaps they are fearful of how all of this will turn out. There is a bravado when He is around – they have more confidence about what the future can be. But now … they are confused again, the fears return. When I read of the apostles, I am always reminded how much they are like us in so many ways. They want to believe, they want to do the right thing but they have fears and doubts. They have human characteristics just like us – pride, stubbornness, and the list goes on. Jesus understood this and sent the Advocate. The Holy Spirit would soon descend upon them and strengthen them in unbelievable ways providing them skills beyond their understanding and courage to go forward and change the world. There is another way we are like the apostles, we, too, have the Holy Spirit with us – not the dramatic tongues of fire – but with us if we pray and believe it. We, too, can be strong in ways we don’t fully understand.
We are never alone, never without the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit – as long as we open that door …
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
