Freedom and Choice

Freedom and Choice
Easter 7; Acts 16:16-40
Freedom sometimes comes
when foundations shake
making doors spring wide.
Earth shrugs off our chains.

Free to go or stay
Paul and Silas chose.
“We are here!” they cried,
saved the guard from harm.

Then he washed their wounds,
asked to be baptized
with his family:
faith born from relief.

Though they were released,
Paul claimed Roman rights,
forced apologies.
They were asked to leave.

Did the jailer stay,
new to risky faith,
doubting if his work
could be kind or just?

Freedom sometimes comes
with a heavy price,
yet the Earth conspires
to shake loose what binds.

Then it’s up to us:
we decide to stay
if that serves to save,
or go on our way.
	Barbara Messner 29/05/2025