Greetings on this the Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 19:1-8; PS 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33
Notes
The faith journey can at times seem quite lonely. Friends and family do not necessarily share the same beliefs or intensity of beliefs. That’s OK. Everything comes in phases, in time and in varying degrees of fullness. But you are not alone. And the gifts of the Father and of the Son, specifically the Holy Spirit, is for everyone of Good Will.
Summary
In our first reading today the twelve men where preaching the baptism of John the Baptist well after the Christ event had occurred. Amazing men, actually. They received the proto Good News and were happy to share it and live it as best they could and in a way pleasing to God without the direct benefit of the Holy Spirit. When they encountered Paul and learned of the complete story of the Good News of Jesus Christ they were immediately Baptized, Confirmed (laying of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit) and their new life in Jesus began (see Acts 8:15-17 and Acts 10:44-45)! We can infer that Paul stayed and taught them for three month (He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.)
Reflection
Sacred Scripture takes good time and multiple examples of the imparting of the gift of the Holy Spirit apart from Pentecost, the grand expression of this gift. We’ll celebrate the grand expression of Pentecost next Sunday. Three is no dividing line. Men, women, Gentile, Jew and all people of Good Will receiving the gift.
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Personal Reflection
The Lord has not left us orphans. He sends others to share the good news. He sends the third person of the Holy Trinity to teach and guide us. He gives us the CHurch, a centering source of blessings, especially the Eucharistic gift. I am not alone. I am in the company of Saints and indwelling with the Divine Presence.
First Reading
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men.
Responsorial
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Gospel Acclamation
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Gospel
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry