During his miraculous liberation from prison, Peter had an angel as his companion and guide. But as long as the angel was with him he did not quite understand what was happening. It was only when the angel left him to his own ingenuity in Jerusalem that he was able to see reality and to take control over his life. Similarly, it was only in his experience of weakness that Paul came to appreciate the strength of God.

This touching story of God's provident care for the head of the Apostles can serve as a parable for all of us. God's angel, divine providence, watches over and guides us. But as long as things go smoothly and evenly for us, we can actually be shielded from a full awareness of what God is doing for us. But when things begin to go wrong, it seems that God has left us to our own devices and we may even feel helpless and at a loss. It is at such times that we must look back on what has been happening to us to realize how close God has been. Then we can go forward with renewed confidence, trusting in the fidelity of God, who will continue to rescue us from the clutches of our enemies and from all attempts to do us harm.