Seventh Sunday of Easter Reading 1

Reading 1 acts 1:12-14

After Jesus had been taken up to heaven the apostles
returned to Jerusalem
from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem,
a sabbath day’s journey away.

When they entered the city
they went to the upper room where they were staying,
Peter and John and James and Andrew,
Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew,
James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot,
and Judas son of James.
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer,
together with some women,
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

 

These are the 11 awaiting the Holy spirit. When The Holy Spirit  descends on Pentecost, Jesus' prophesy is fulfilled, these 11 begin laying hands on others and the Sacrament of Confirmation is initiated.

What a gift. Those who have received this sacrament have been sealed with the Holy spirit as those who were in the attic, we are empowered to evangelize and to stand firm confident in our faith that the enemy will not overcome us.

 

Apostolic succession is also given us -- the common lay Catholic. We have had hands laid on us infused with the Holy sprit in succession linked in an un broken documented chain to those named above.

 

This is empowering as well, and with these gifts come responsibility to evangelize.

 

We stand strong in our faith. Making mistakes yes. Sinning yes but return to God n reconciliation and strengthen our souls from the spiritual nourishment t provided by the Eucharist.

 

Thus, armored we join the spiritual battle the outcome already known the battle for souls winning souls for God.

 

There is no more noble calling then to be a common Lay Catholic.

 

Pax Christi