Sometimes our own minds can be a prison so secure that no one else can free us. In today’s reading, we see Peter bound not just once but with doubled chains to hold him in bondage. (click the link to read more)

June 29th, 2017
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 591
ACTS 12:1-11
PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
2 TM 4:6-8, 17-18
MT 16:13-19

Sometimes our own minds can be a prison so secure that no one else can free us.   In today’s reading, we see Peter bound not just once but with doubled chains to hold him in bondage.    Here we have the unclothed man bound between two guards.   Even in the physical realm of things, this seems hopeless and full of despair.   How can this man without his garments slip away when the guards are right at his side?   Not just a singular chain to bind him but double the subjugation of that which held him in place.   Then the angel appears and frees him, clothes him again, and leads him safely through the dangers that lurk in the night.

This reminder to us of the spiritual battle at hand is one that I think even more apropos in today’s society.   There are many who would keep you bound and in darkness, unable to express your joy or happiness.   If you do not conform to the norms of what others decree to be acceptable, and instead adhere to what God has given you as revealed truth, then you will be pushed away and relegated to a corner.   The enemy wants to bind you in your doubts and fears, trying to make you feel naked and alone in the darkness of your mental cell.   This is what we face each day if we allow it to happen.

God reminds us that He will deliver us from any darkness, from any prison.  To pick up our cloak of dignity, a dignity that comes from being made in the image of God and is not earned, and to place that cloak proudly upon your shoulders and march out of that inner turmoil.   He equips us with the Gospel of Peace to shod your feet that we might be sure in our calling and joyful in our lives.  What does this look like?   Just take the example of Peter.   This man who had failed so miserably, left alone in a prison, was delivered from his bondage.   He who had denied Christ three times was declared the “Prime Minister” of the Church and given the keys of authority and great responsibility of feeding His sheep.  By the standards of the world, Peter should have been rejected and held as least.  By the standards of God, He who lowered himself in humility would be raised to the highest of places.

That is His plan for you as well.   All you need to do is let Go and let God.   Like Peter and Paul, God uses those the world would find least likely to succeed to be examples of His Glory and His love.   Don’t let Satan put you in darkness and bind you with falsehoods and lies.   You are loved!

His servant and yours,
Brian Mullins

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14