Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II).
Readings at Mass
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First reading
Acts 16:22-34
Become a believer and you will be saved, and your household too
The crowd joined in and showed their hostility to Paul and Silas, so the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be flogged. They were given many lashes and then thrown into prison, and the jailer was told to keep a close watch on them. So, following his instructions, he threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the jailer woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They told him, ‘Become a believer in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, and your household too.’ Then they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all his family. Late as it was, he took them to wash their wounds and was baptized then and there with all his household. Afterward, he took them home and gave them a meal, and the whole family celebrated their conversion to belief in God.
Commentary
"Belief Brings Salvation: A Household's Redemption"
Inclusive Promise: Salvation is offered not only to individuals but extends to their entire household, demonstrating God's expansive grace.
Personal Response: While salvation is inclusive, it hinges on individual belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, emphasizing personal faith.
Life Transformation: Belief in Jesus results in profound life changes, including forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new way of living.
Family Impact: The faith of one member can positively influence the spiritual well-being of the entire household, leading to blessings and growth.
Testimony of Transformation: The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household serves as a powerful example of how belief in Jesus brings joy, leading others to faith.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137(138):1-3,7-8
You stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:
you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels, I will bless you.
I will adore before your holy temple.
You stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I thank you for your faithfulness and love,
which excels all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
you increased the strength of my soul.
You stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
You stretch out your hand and save me,
your hand will do all things for me.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
discard not the work of your hands.
You stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
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Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Christ has risen and shone upon us
whom he redeemed with his blood.
Alleluia!
Or:
cf.Jn16:7,13
Alleluia, alleluia!
I will send you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will lead you to the complete truth.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
John 16:5-11
Unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Now I am going to the one who sent me.
Not one of you has asked, “Where are you going?”
Yet you are sad at heart because I have told you this.
Still, I must tell you the truth:
it is for your own good that I am going
because unless I go,
the Advocate will not come to you;
but if I do go,
I will send him to you.
And when he comes,
he will show the world how wrong it was,
about sin,
and about who was in the right,
and about judgment:
about sin: proved by their refusal to believe in me;
about who was in the right: proved by my going to the Father and your seeing me no more;
about judgment: proved by the prince of this world is already condemned.’
Commentary
"The Promise of the Advocate: Jesus' Departure and the Coming of the Spirit"
Necessity of Departure: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of his departure for the coming of the Advocate, indicating that his physical absence is essential for the next phase of God's plan to unfold.
The Advocate's Arrival: The departure of Jesus paves the way for the arrival of the Advocate, also known as the Holy Spirit, who will fulfill the role of comforter, counselor, and helper to the disciples.
Spirit's Convicting Work: Jesus explains that the Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, demonstrating the transformative power of the Spirit's work in convicting hearts and leading to repentance.
Revealing Truth: The Spirit will guide believers into all truth, illuminating the teachings of Jesus and deepening their understanding of God's Word, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith and empowered for ministry.
Victory Over Evil: Through the Spirit's presence, believers receive the assurance of victory over the ruler of this world, as the Spirit empowers them to overcome the forces of darkness and live as victorious witnesses for Christ.
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