First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17

The reading looks forward to and prepares us for the story of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples on Pentecost. Just as in the ministry of Jesus, the proclamation of Christ is accompanied with “signs,” miracles. People were healed. The response of the people is “great joy.”

Philip is mentioned in Acts 6:5 as one of the seven who was appointed to serve the needs of the widows and orphans. Their life was not limited to that role. They also preached. Philip goes to the Samaritans, who did not get along with the Jews. The author is demonstrating the spread of the Gospel and its acceptance by non-Jews.

The Samaritans accepted the Word of God and were baptized. Two of the Apostles, Peter and John, came to them from Jerusalem when they heard about their conversion. Their presence connected this conversion to the faith of the disciples, the followers of Jesus. When they laid hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit, just as the disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Prayer and the laying on of hands designated the people in a role for salvation. This passage emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

This passage begins by echoing part of Is 8:13. It applies the word “Lord” to Jesus. The community is to become a witness to the vision of hope, a virtue that looks to the future. The word, which is translated as “answer,” is a legal word that refers to “testimony” or “defense.”

The success of the Christian message was based on commitment and perseverance, not violence and worldly power. In fact, the Christian may have to “suffer for doing good … for Christ also suffered.” Christ is the model and the assurance of success in coming to God. He gives meaning to the suffering of the community of the faithful. Various forms of the word “suffer” appear 17 times in this letter, more frequently than any other New Testament writing. There is a cost in being a disciple of Jesus Christ, but there is also the confidence of sharing “life in the Spirit.” The Spirit is the breath of God that brings about life.

Gospel: John 14:15-21

The word “love” appears five times in these verses. Love is not a feeling, but a commitment. It is associated with obedience to “my commandments.” Jesus connects His own life with the lives of His followers in this instruction at the Last Supper. The follower of Jesus will “see” Him. But “the world will no longer see me.” The world stands for unbelievers in the Gospel of John. Jesus promises to “reveal myself” in this intimate relationship.

Love, as commitment, transforms the actions of another. It adds a quality that goes beyond measurable achievement.

We have our own Little Drummer Boy at our weekend Masses. He didn’t have any formal training, but from his youngest days, he was tapping out rhythms. He wanted to play the drums at Mass. When he plays the drums and cymbals with the adult choir, he is totally focused on what he is doing.

At one Mass, I saw a father step out into the aisle, so that his young daughter could get a better glimpse at this child prodigy at work. It wasn’t just his innate ability. It was his absolute absorption in what he was doing. People really “get it.” He helps draw others into the music. It is no longer just a sound. It becomes a sign of a greater love for the One to whom we offer our singing.

Christ offers us a deep relationship with Him by revealing Himself to us in the Scriptures, our private and public prayers, and in our service to others. Our own life can be inspiring to others and an invitation to join in the celebration of life.

Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.