Study of the Readings
Ed. by
Joyce Ann Zimmerman,
et al
• Words, Phrases
• To the point
• First Two Readings
• Experience
Dennis
Hamm, SJ
The rest of the Acts of the Apostles indicates that empowerment by the Holy Spirit is not simply some kind of “jump start” to get the Church going but the normal way the community expands through its mission outreach.
John Kavanaugh, SJ
The earliest church was made bold in its proclamation of the truth. Believers’ hearts filled with the good news of Christ, they were set on fire with love and zeal.
John J. Pilch
When Jesus says to his frightened disciples, “Peace to you,” he declares a factual reality … Jesus is not wishing them peace; he declares with firm assurance that they possess it, hence they should discard all fear.
Christ’s human nature ascended from us to heaven, and on us today Christ’s Spirit has come down. Now indeed “the Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole earth,” and all creation recognizes his voice.
Reginald H. Fuller
Jesus promised his disciples that they would have the divine assistance of the Holy Spirit as they bore witness in a situation of rejection and persecution. Perhaps this promise originally applied to their missions while Jesus was still on earth.