By Sharon Piuse A csc
Readings: Acts 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33
The first reading speaks about the importance of the Holy Spirit. In the reading, we see Paul is asking his disciples whether they received the Holy Spirit when they believed in Christ. The answer was No. When Paul laid his hands upon them, they changed their thoughts and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, then the Holy Spirit came on them and they started to proclaim the word of God in different tongues and prophesied.
The reading invites us to see the power of the Holy Spirit and to believe in Lord Jesus. The gospel reading of today is very much connected to our daily life because the gospel says that we know all things, but we are not making use of it for ourselves and for others, because we believe that we came from God. Jesus asks each one, ‘do you have the same belief during the time of difficulties?’ Jesus knows each one and says to all of them ‘leave me alone, but the Father is with me.’
Both readings are connected to each other. One who believes in Lord Jesus will have peace in him/her and can face the tribulation of the world with good cheer. The gospel invites us to live happily and cheerfully.