Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always...”

Our readings this Sunday give us a further glimpse into the growth of the early Church, as well as the formation of the Apostles themselves. We also hear of the first Sacrament of Confirmation; we hear one of the first descriptions of Christian apologetics (defense of the faith); and we hear Jesus’ promise that He will send the Holy Spirit to be at our side always.

In our first reading (Acts of the Apostles 8: 5-8. 14-17), we hear perhaps the first evidence of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this story, Philip, a Deacon, was ordained to evangelize and Baptize, but the power to impart the special grace of the Holy Spirit was reserved for the Apostles and their successors. This was a separate rite imparted by the laying of hands by a Bishop, the same as it is today.(CCC #1288)

Our Epistle reading (1 Peter 3:15-18) continues our readings from St. Peter’s letter to the mostly Gentile Christians in Asia Minor. Peter tells them to always be ready to give a defense of their Christian faith, but with gentleness, humility and reverence; and always live what they preach, even to the point of suffering persecutions, just as Christ suffered.

In our Gospel reading (John 14:15-21), we hear Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to His Apostles. Jesus was not only preparing His Apostles for His departure and return to the Father, He was also promising them that He will send the Holy Spirit to be with them and remain in them forever. The word John used, ‘Paraclete’, is a Greek compound word meaning “One who is called to one’s side”. The English translation is ‘Advocate’. This new advocate, being spirit, cannot be seen, but will live within us always.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”, says the Lord. That should mean that we observe Jesus’ commandments out of a sense of love, not obligation. “On that day, you will realize that I am in the Father . . .”, says that Lord. “That day” is the day the Spirit came upon the apostles at Pentecost. That same Spirit comes to us at our Baptism and Confirmation, and comes to us every time we receive the Eucharist; and it is this same Spirit that comes to us every time we call upon Him.

bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051026.cfm