＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth,

Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples whom he asked, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you be­came believers?” They answered, “We have not even heard that anyone may receive the Holy Spirit.”

 Paul then asked, “What kind of baptism have you received?” And they answered, “The baptism of John.”  Paul then explained, “John’s baptism was for conversion, but he himself said they should believe in the one who was to come, and that one is Jesus.”

 Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came down upon them; and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of them in all.

Paul went into the synagogue and for three months he preached and discussed there boldly, trying to convince them about the Kingdom of God.

 

Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

John 16:29-33

 The disciples said to him, “Now you are speaking plainly and not in veiled language! Now we see that you know all things, even be­fore we question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

 Jesus answered them, “You say that you be­lieve!  The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

 I have told you all this, so that in me you may have peace. You will have trouble in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

The disciples profess belief in Jesus because of the words of friendship and endearment He spoke to them. They are now His friends, beloved of God the Father. They can ask for anything from the Father and be given it without Jesus' intervention.

Words such as these are music to the disciples ears. That is why it is not hard for them to believe. Doing so brings lots of intangible benefits. But Jesus is a realistic person. He knows that what they said is mere lip service. Their words have to be tested. If they endure the trial of the cross on His subsequent death, they will reap the joys of the resurrection.