Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
Acts 16:11-15
The Lord opened Lydia's heart to accept what Paul was saying
Sailing from Troas we made a straight run for Samothrace; the next day for Neapolis, and from there for Philippi, a Roman colony and the principal city of that particular district of Macedonia. After a few days in this city, we went along the river outside the gates as it was the sabbath and this was a customary place for prayer. We sat down and preached to the women who had come to the meeting. One of these women was called Lydia, a devout woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple dye trade. She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept Paul's words. After she and her household had been baptized she sent us an invitation: ‘If you really think me a true believer in the Lord,’ she said ‘come and stay with us’; and she would take no refusal.
Commentary
God's Sovereign Action: God initiated Lydia's conversion by opening her heart to Paul's message, highlighting His sovereign role in salvation.
Human Response: Lydia's openness to the gospel demonstrates the partnership between God's grace and human willingness to receive it.
Hospitality and Service: Lydia's immediate hospitality after her conversion emphasizes the transformative impact of the gospel on one's actions and priorities.
Community Transformation: Lydia's household also believed, illustrating the communal nature of faith and its potential to influence entire families.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 149:1-6,9
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or
Alleluia!
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or
Alleluia!
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or
Alleluia!
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips:
this honour is for all his faithful.
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or
Alleluia!
________
Gospel Acclamation
cf.Lk24:46,26
Alleluia, alleluia!
It was ordained that Christ should suffer
and rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
Alleluia!
Or:
Jn15:26,27
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Spirit of truth will be my witness;
and you too will be my witnesses.
Alleluia!
________
Gospel
John 15:26-16:4
The Spirit of truth will be my witness
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘When the Advocate comes,
whom I shall send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,
he will be my witness.
And you too will be witnesses,
because you have been with me from the outset.
‘I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken.
They will expel you from the synagogues,
and indeed the hour is coming
when anyone who kills you
will think he is doing a holy duty for God.
They will do these things
because they have never known
either the Father or myself.
But I have told you all this,
so that when the time for it comes
you may remember that I told you.’
Commentary
"The Spirit's Testimony: Empowering Witness to Truth"
Divine Confirmation: The Spirit of truth, proceeding from the Father, bears witness to Jesus' identity and ministry, affirming his divine nature.
Guiding Light: Through the Spirit's guidance, believers are led into a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings, illuminating the path of truth and righteousness.
Empowering Presence: The Spirit empowers believers to boldly testify about Jesus, infusing them with courage, conviction, and spiritual strength.
Comfort in Adversity: Despite impending challenges and persecution, Jesus assures believers of the Spirit's comforting presence, enabling endurance and steadfastness in faith.
Eternal Assurance: The Spirit's testimony provides unwavering assurance of Jesus' truth amidst the trials of the world, anchoring believers in the unchanging reality of God's love and salvation.
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