The apostles' hearts probably sank as they heard the prison cell door close. They perhaps wondered if they would ever see daylight again. But they were not alone - an angel of the Lord released them, and they resumed their work of proclaiming the word to the crowds. This shows us that the word of God will not be imprisoned or contained. When we are doing the Lord's work, angels are always at our side. Let us never be afraid or discouraged.

This is the most famous verse in the New Testament: God so loved the world, that he gave his only son. God does not hold back at all - God is willing to give everything for our sakes. But not everyone is grateful. The evangelist notes that even though the light has come into the world, some reject it. They fear the light because their own deeds are dark, and they do not want to be exposed to the gaze of the world. Their punishment is just this: they have deprived themselves of the gift of God out of pride and fear.

Whatever is brought into the light, is transformed into light. Let us each day step forward and gratefully accept the gift of God - mercy and eternal life.