First Reading • Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Psalm • Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Second Reading • 1 Peter 3:15-18
Gospel • John 14:15-21
One of the great blessings of the Easter season is that we hear from the Acts of the Apostles.
This book tells the story of the Church after Jesus’ Ascension and shows that His mission did not end with Him, but continues through His disciples.
That mission has not stopped. In a real sense, the Church is still writing the unfinished chapters of Acts of the Apostles. The story now includes you and me.
Today’s first reading comes from a difficult moment in that story. The Church is facing its first persecution.
Saint Stephen has been martyred, and Saul is searching for Christians to imprison. Because of this, many believers are scattered from Jerusalem. At first, it seems like a defeat.
But something remarkable happens: wherever they go, they carry the Gospel with them. Persecution becomes mission.
Among those scattered is Philip, one of the first deacons. He goes to Samaria and preaches about Jesus. Many believe and are baptized.
Yet we hear something surprising: The Holy Spirit has not yet come upon them.
So, Peter and John travel from Jerusalem, lay hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
This helps us understand what Jesus promises in the Gospel of John. At the Last Supper, He says: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments… and the Father will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of truth.”
Jesus shows that His mission will continue not only through preaching, but through an interior presence; the Holy Spirit within His people.
What we see in Acts is the fulfillment of that promise.
The believers are baptized, but through the laying on of hands they receive the fullness of the Spirit.
From the beginning, the Church recognized this gift as essential; not only to believe in Christ, but to be strengthened by His Spirit. We receive that same grace in Confirmation.
Jesus also says: “I will not leave you orphaned.” Through the Holy Spirit, He remains with us; not visibly, but truly and powerfully.
The apostles experienced this at Pentecost, and we receive that same presence in our lives.
Jesus makes another point clear: “Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves me.”
Love is not just a feeling; it is lived in obedience. In Acts, the early Christians do not keep their faith private.
Even in difficulty, they continue to proclaim Christ. Their obedience becomes mission.
This challenges us. Sometimes we reduce faith to something comfortable or personal.
But to love Christ means to live His commandments; to forgive, to serve, to sacrifice, and to witness. The Spirit is given to guide and strengthen us for this.
Through the Holy Spirit, we are also drawn into communion: “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” This communion forms us into one body, one Church.
We see this unity clearly. Peter and John go to Samaria not only to give the Spirit, but to show that this new community is united with the whole Church.
Jews and Samaritans, once divided, are now one in Christ. This is the work of the Holy Spirit; He creates unity where there was division.
Look at this congregation: we come from different parts of the world, with different customs and traditions.
Yet we are one family of the faithful. This unity is not our achievement; it is the work of the same Holy Spirit.
The same Spirit has been given to us. In Confirmation, we receive the Advocate; our guide and strength. But this gift is not meant to remain hidden; it is given for mission.
So, we must ask ourselves: Do I live as someone who has received the Spirit?
Do I allow Him to guide my choices, my words, my relationships?
Do I keep Christ’s commandments; not out of obligation, but out of love?
Finally, all of this leads us to the Eucharist. Jesus, who promises not to leave us orphaned, fulfills that promise here at the altar.
The Holy Spirit prepares our hearts, and Christ gives Himself to us as our food.
Strengthened by His Spirit and nourished by His Body and Blood, we are sent forth; not as spectators, but as participants in His mission. The story of Acts continues. Christ is with us. His Spirit is within us. And through our lives, the next chapter will be written.
