Scripture readings this day recount Saint Paul imprisoned, for freeing an enslaved girl (Acts 16).

Her exploitation was tolerated by the empire, but Paul’s freeing her removed the slaving merchant’s profits – which is ‘not lawful to accept or practice.’ This is what brings about another persecution for Saint Paul and the Church – ‘they have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are citizens, and have thrown us into prison.’

From today’s Gospel (John 16:8), Christ sends His Spirit to dwell in His disciples, convicting the world, bringing Light and Truth against the evils and wrongs that enslave and condemn.