Posted: 5/25/2011 7:01:35 PM EDT
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May 29, 2011
First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 5 Philip went down to a city of Sama'ria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Sama'ria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Psalm: Psalms 65:1-7,16,20 R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. or: R. Alleluia. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. or: R. Alleluia. “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. or: R. Alleluia. He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. or: R. Alleluia. Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. or: R. Alleluia. Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit; Gospel: John 14:15-21 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Study Page Overview of the Gospel: * This Sunday’s reading takes place at the Last Supper (John chapters 13—17), and is a continuation of last week’s reading. * Now that Jesus is about “to pass from this world to the Father” (John 13:1), he explains to his own how he will continue to reveal himself to them. He promises them that he will send the Holy Spirit, “another Advocate,” or Paraclete. The Greek word, paracletos, means one who stands beside and defends. It can also mean consoler, comforter, intercessor, mediator or spokesman. * Jesus had often promised to send the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:36; 16:7-14; Matthew 10:20), and he does so in a limited way on the evening of Easter (John 20:22). * The fullness of the Holy Spirit, however, will be sent by Jesus to his disciples 50 days after his Resurrection on Pentecost. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus will be with his Church always until he comes again in glory (verse 18). Questions: * In the 1st Reading, how do we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of the early believers? What Sacrament is anticipated in verses 14-17 (see CCC 1287-1288)? * In the 2nd Reading, St. Peter instructs us that we are to be ready to defend and explain our Faith at any time. In what way are we to do this (verse 16a)? What is the immediate reason for doing so (verse 16b-17)? What is the ultimate purpose for doing so (verse 18)? * In the Gospel Reading, how are the disciples to show love to each other (John 13:34)? To Jesus (John 14:15)? Why is this idea repeated four times (verses 15:21, 23—24)? * What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-17 and 25-27? What is the relationship of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to the Christian? To each other? How has the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus in your life? * What is the difference between how Jesus gives peace and how the world does? * Where do you need Jesus’ peace? How can you find peace in this reading? * How at home are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners or temporary guests? * Of all the promise made here (verses 16-18, 21, 23, 26-27), which means the most to you? Why? |
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In the 1st Reading, how do we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of the early
believers? What Sacrament is anticipated in verses 14-17 (see CCC 1287-1288)? Sisters and Brothers, we see in this week's Scripture Study that Jesus, the Messiah, is the embodiment and perfection of the old covenant. As our Lord constantly tells us, he is not here to abolish a tittle nor an jot of the law, but has come to fulfill it, and how he fills it! Not only do we see the Apostles doing miracles, but the "assistants" which we saw appointed last week also peform miracles! Jesus promised his disciples would work these miracles: (Mark 16:17). It is the power of the Holy Spirit at work here. Ours is not a timid spirit! Let us examine the Catechism at 1286: In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him "without measure." And again quoting the Catechism: "Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim "the mighty works of God," and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the sign of the messianic age. Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn." From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church. [CCC1287-1288] 
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* In the 2nd Reading, St. Peter instructs us that we are to be ready to defend
and explain our Faith at any time. In what way are we to do this (verse 16a)? What is the immediate reason for doing so (verse 16b-17)? What is the ultimate purpose for doing so (verse 18)? This reading rings just as true today as it did when St. Peter wrote the inspired words. We spend a lot of time defending our faith to the atheists and agnostics. But, we must be careful in the way that we do this. It can be so easy to give in to pride, be spiteful, rude and self-righteous when being attacked. But we have hope and joy in our lives thanks to the Holy Spirit, so St. Peter tells us to be gentle and have reverence. Reverence? For folks who tell us we must be idiots to think some invisible dude in the sky runs the universe? Yup. And why? To put them to shame, we hear in this reading. Let them rant and rave, but always keep your cool. After all, we have Truth on our side, right? And what other hope have we of helping these folks see our point of view? If we are just as nasty as they are, what difference will they see? Why would they even consider Christianity? Which brings us to the last question - what is the ultimate purpose? To get them to heaven, of course. We are not made for this world, and we are charged with bringing as many people with us as possible. Christ didn't just die and rise for you and me, but for every atheist and agnostic out there! And how are we to accomplish this seemingly impossible task? We hear over and over - especially on this forum - that only the Holy Spirit converts people. But, He works through us! We plant the seeds in the people's lives by the way we conduct ourselves every day, so that maybe someday they will bear the fruit of the Lord. And the only way we can conduct ourselves worthily every day is to open up those gifts we have received from the Holy Spirit on the day of our confirmation. Don't leave them perfectly wrapped on a shelf in your closet, but let them flow through you and transform your life. Then you have the power - which comes from Him - to transform the lives of others. |