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13 May 2024 - Monday of the 7th week of Eastertide - Readings

Our Lady of Fátima 
Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II).

Readings at Mass
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First reading
Acts 19:1-8 

The moment Paul laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found several disciples. When he asked, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ they answered, ‘No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.’ ‘Then how were you baptized?’ he asked. ‘With John’s baptism,’ they replied. ‘John’s baptism’ said Paul ‘was a baptism of repentance; but he insisted that the people should believe in the one who was to come after him – in other words, Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the moment Paul had laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them, and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of these men.
    He began by going to the synagogue, where he spoke out boldly and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months.


Commentary

Encounter with the Holy Spirit

  1. Spiritual Awakening: Paul encounters disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized, lacked the fullness of spiritual understanding (Acts 19:1-3).

  2. Baptism of Renewal: Paul guides them towards a baptism in the name of Jesus, symbolizing a deeper commitment to Christ and spiritual rebirth (Acts 19:4-5).

  3. Divine Infusion: Through the laying on of Paul's hands, the Holy Spirit descends upon them, igniting spiritual gifts and manifestations (Acts 19:6).

  4. Spiritual Authentication: This outpouring authenticates Paul's ministry and confirms the disciples' spiritual journey into the fullness of faith.

  5. Empowered Witness: Filled with the Spirit, the disciples embark on a bold spiritual journey, spreading the Gospel with newfound fervor and conviction (Acts 19:7-8).

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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 67(68):2-7

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
or
Alleluia!

Let God arise, let his foes be scattered.
    Let those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is blown away so will they be blown away;
    like wax that melts before the fire,
    so the wicked shall perish at the presence of God.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
or
Alleluia!

But the just shall rejoice at the presence of God,
    they shall exult and dance for joy.
O sing to the Lord, make music to his name;
    rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
or
Alleluia!

Father of the orphan, defender of the widow,
    such is God in his holy place.
God gives the lonely a home to live in;
    he leads the prisoners forth into freedom.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
or
Alleluia!
________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn16:28

Alleluia, alleluia!
I came from the Father 
and have come into the world,
and now I leave the world
to go to the Father.
Alleluia!


Or:
Col3:1

Alleluia, alleluia!
Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ,
you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is,
sitting at God’s right hand.
Alleluia!
________

Gospel
John 16:29-33

Be brave, for I have conquered the world

His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them:

‘Do you believe at last?
Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already –
when you will be scattered,
each going his own way and leaving me alone.
And yet I am not alone,
because the Father is with me.
I have told you all this
so that you may find peace in me.
In the world, you will have trouble,
but be brave: I have conquered the world.’

Commentary

  1. Disciples' Confession: The disciples express their belief in Jesus' divine origin and knowledge, acknowledging His unique relationship with the Father (John 16:29).

  2. Assurance of Understanding: Jesus affirms their understanding but forewarns of impending trials, preparing them for the challenges ahead (John 16:30).

  3. Promise of Peace: Despite tribulations, Jesus encourages courage, assuring victory over the world through His conquest (John 16:31-32).

  4. Foundation of Faith: This declaration underscores the disciples' need for unwavering faith and trust in Jesus amidst adversity, anchoring their hope in His ultimate triumph (John 16:33a).

  5. Overcoming the World: Jesus' conquest of the world provides believers with enduring peace and confidence, transcending earthly turmoil and offering eternal victory through Him (John 16:33b).

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