In the Reading From the Acts Of
the Apostles
Acts 8:5-8,14-17
We read about the success of the disciples witnessing to the Lord Jesus. Their words and signs bring people of all walks of life, even " the despised Samaritans," to faith in the risen Lord Jesus. By imposing hands on them, the apostles receive them into the Christian fellowship whose headquarters are still in Jerusalem at this time.
Be on your guard to insure that diversity remains under the umbrella of unity in the Spirit. " Vae Soli !"---- Do not be loner ! Opinions shared only by a very few or by no one else are suspicious, to say the least.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.
In the Reading, From the First Letter of Saint Peter
1 Pt 3:15-18
Peter addresses Christians who are defamed because of their way of life in Christ. He urges them to have hope and to be ready to reply when anyone asks them questions. The point (God's word to you and me) seems to be :This can happen to you as well.
Do your coworkers know that you are a Christian in the Catholic tradition? You have a hopeful, optimistic outlook on life. Can you reply when people ask questions? It requires reading. Are you up-to -date concerning the "daring and creative steps" the Church is taking nowadays, adapting to new situations?
In the Gospel of John
Jn 14:23
Jesus reminds his followers that he will not remain with them visibly. But in the Spirit he will ! He will send a Paraclete (advocate), a counselor, a defender, to help them. Jesus calls him "the Spirit of truth," and this Spirit is promised to all of us, "to be always with you." This is the reason for our hope and optimistic outlook on life. Being different, let us remain one in the Spirit ! In faith "you know him, because he remains with you, and will bein you."
