Acts 8:5-8,14-17
Psalm 65(66)
1 Peter 3:15-18 or 4:13-16
John 14:15-21 or 17:1-11
After Stephen had been killed, Saul led “a great persecution” against the Church in Jerusalem. The Hellenists were therefore driven out of Jerusalem and Philip takes the gospel to Samaria. Peter and John came to investigate these first non-Jew converts. The apostles confirmed these new members by laying hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
The psalm praises God’s power as revealed throughout history but especially during the Exodus.
Peter continues his advice to Christians suffering abuse and ridicule from their non-Christian neighbours. Do not be afraid! Stick to your principles, being ready to explain your reasons politely. And rejoice that your sufferings enable you to share in Christ’s sufferings so that you may share in his glory.
In John’s Gospel description of the Last Supper, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to continue his work after he returns to his Father. The supper ends with Jesus’ great prayer to his Father for the Church he is leaving behind. All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in the gospels, but the Church only gradually developed its understanding of the Trinity over many centuries. We believe that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (filioque). The Orthodox Church says that the Spirit comes from the Father through the Son.
Psalm Response: Cry out with joy to God all the earth.
(Acts 8:5-8,14-17; Psalm 65(66); 1 Peter 3:15-18 or 4:13-16; John 14:15-21 or 17:1-11)