In today's Mass readings, we heard two conclusions, one from the Acts of the Apostles and the other from the Gospel of John.
As we read through Acts of the Apostles, we meet Saul of Tarsus, who brought many Christians to trial in chains (Acts 9:2). At the conclusion of Acts, Saul (now known as Paul), is himself a Christian (Acts 28:31) and is in chains (Acts 26:29) for his steadfast belief in Jesus, Whom he earlier persecuted (Acts 9:4). At the conclusion of John's Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, "Follow Me" (Jn 21:19). That's also what Jesus said to Peter (then Simon) at the very beginning (see Mk 1:17).
Thus we hear the endings of two stories, which echo each story's beginning. These endings are meant to launch us into a new beginning in our life in the Spirit. Jesus is "the Beginning and the End" (Rv 21:6), "the First and the Last" (Rv 1:17), the Master of all the beginnings and endings in our lives.
Tomorrow is the great feast of Pentecost, the beginning of the Church. Obey Jesus' command to "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). Begin by begging the Holy Spirit to be active in a new way in your life. Jesus has come to bring life to the full (Jn 10:10) to both yourself and to the world. Will you receive the Holy Spirit and use His gifts to renew the face of the earth? (Ps 104:30)
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I want to receive the Holy Spirit more than I want to take my next breath. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord is just, He loves just deeds; the upright shall see His face." –Ps 11:7 |
| PRAISE: | Jan spoke a prophecy at a prayer meeting that pierced Rhonda's heart and enabled her to surrender her fears to Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College