1ST READING
There is more to baptism than the forgiveness of sins. It is also the time when we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit that distinguishes the baptisms of John and Jesus, and it is an enormous difference. Without the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to live the life of holiness that we are all called to. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live as true disciples of Jesus.
Acts 19:1-8
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” 4 Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 Altogether there were about twelve men. 8 He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
P S A L M
Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
1 [2] God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. 2 [3] As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire. (R) 3 [4] But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 4 [5] Sing to God, chant praise to his name, extol him who rides upon the clouds, whose name is the Lord. (R) 5 [6] The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 6 [7] God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus knows that the Apostles will struggle to remain faithful to His commission to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. In fact, the Church today still struggles with exactly the same commission. It is up to us to take up the task of proclaiming the Gospel and so continue the work of the Church in our day.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
John 16:29-33
29 The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
TODAY’S
BLESSING
LIST
think: Without the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to live the life of holiness that we are all called to.
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Judges 17-21
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