The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. (John 16:27-28) The words of Jesus in today’s passage from Saint John’s […]

They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16:6-7) Acts of the Apostles presents the […]

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and show yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46) This passage helps us understand how Paul and Barnabas came to be identified with the mission […]

It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among yourselves seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task. (Acts 6:2-3) In today’s reading from Acts, we hear about a dispute that threatened to destroy the unity and peace of the Jerusalem fellowship of believers. Greek-speaking Jewish converts complained to […]

Saturday in the Octave of Easter It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20) The apostles’ preaching of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God quickly brought them into conflict with the religious authorities of Judaism, the teachers and interpreters of the law, and the priests of the temple. It is […]

Holy Saturday “What can bring us happiness?” many say. Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord. (Psalm 4:7) Holy Saturday ends with the exuberant joy of the Easter Vigil, but it begins with silence — the silence that enveloped all creation following the death of the Savior. Silence flooded the minds and hearts of the disciples of Jesus, too, as they hurriedly washed and anointed his tortured body, wrapped it […]

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. (Hebrews 4:15-16) One of the great needs of our day is for compassion. […]