Sixth Sunday of Easter
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Today's Word
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Pet 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21 Read at USCCB
Real Talk
Philip goes to Samaria - the place everyone else avoided - and there is great joy in that city. People are healed, unclean spirits cast out, and the whole crowd is paying attention. Then Peter and John come from Jerusalem and lay hands on the people who were already baptized, and they receive the Holy Spirit. The joy of the preaching was real. The Spirit falling was the completion.
Jesus says tonight: I will not leave you orphans. He names the fear directly. And then the Advocate - the Spirit of truth - is the answer to it. The world cannot see or know the Spirit. But you know him because he stays with you.
Peter says: always be ready to give a reason for your hope. But notice the order: sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart first. The reason comes from the inside. And give it with gentleness and reverence. Not as an argument. As testimony - one thing God has actually done in your life that you would not have without him.
One Prayer
Lord, I will not be an orphan. The Spirit of truth is with me. Help me live from that and not from fear. Alleluia. Amen.
Your Challenge
Prepare your sentence: one thing God has done in your life that you could tell someone if they asked why you believe. Not a theological argument - a story, a specific moment, a before and after. The psalm says: I will declare what he has done for me. Practice declaring it, even just to yourself first.
You are not alone. Submit your intentions and they'll be carried to Holy Hour this Sunday.
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