Saul’s Conversion ACTS 9:1–20; PSALM 117; John 6:52–59 The first reading presents us with the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. This was a major U-turn in the life of Saul. It brought about a change of name, a change of heart, a change of mission, and a change of character. Conversion must […]
Monthly Archives: April 2024
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𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 The first reading presents us with the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Eunuch traveled to Jerusalem for worship, yet he was unfulfilled. He was studying the scriptures on his way home but couldn’t make sense of what he was reading. Suddenly, the Spirit guided Philip to his chariot, […]
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Advanced through affliction ACTS 8:1–8, PS.66, John 6:35–40 Persecution is the basic theme in today’s first reading. Severe persecution came against the early Church in Jerusalem. The persecution caused all the believers to be scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a […]
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The Stoning of Stephen ACTS 7:51–8:1; PSALM 31; JOHN 6:30–35 Stoning was a punishment prescribed for various offenses under Mosaic law, including blasphemy, idolatry, and adultery. Stephen was accused of blasphemy by Jewish religious leaders. Enraged by his message, the crowd dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephenexperience (Acts 7:51–8:1) […]
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Accusation against Stephen Acts 6:8–15; Ps. 119; John 6:22–29 In today’s first reading, Stephen was arrested for preaching the good news. While he was tried in the council, the Bible says “his face appeared to them like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). It means that Stephen was innocent. In fact, the Bible says, […]
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Apr
Christ’s Appearance and Instructions Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2:1–5; Luke 24:35–48 The gospel reading today presents us with Jesus appearance to his disciples. Recall that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to his disciples. Strictly speaking, the Gospels record that Jesus appeared 10 times to his disciples. In the past few […]
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The seven-man committee Acts 6:1–7; Psalm 33; John 6:16–21 Acts 6:1–7 describes some of the growing pains of the early church and how the leaders responded. The Bible says, “They picked out seven men full of the Holy Spirit.” These men were to handle the daily distribution of food so as to curb the ethnic […]
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Gamaliel’s principle *Acts 5:34–42; Psalm 27; John 6:1–15* Gamaliel’s principle is a principle in the Book of Acts by Rabban Gamaliel. This principle explains that “whatever is of God will stand, and whatever is not of God will fail” (Acts 5:38-39). Gamaliel cautioned the Jewish Sanhedrin against killing Jesus’ disciples, saying that if their ideas […]
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Apr
Believers’ model Acts 4:32–37; Psalm 92; John 3:7–15 “The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul.” This statement underscores the practice of the early Christian Church. They worked together to build the body of Christ. None of their members was ever in need, as everything they owned was held in common. Today’s Christians […]
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“Saying Yes” ISAIAH 7:10-14, 8:10; PSALM 40; HEBREWS 10:4-10; LUKE 1:26-38 Annunciation simply means announcement. Nine months before Jesus was born, the angel Gabriel was sent to Mary to announce the conception of the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. This solemnity is usually celebrated on March 25, but this year […]
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