First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Reflection:

The Samaritans were a particular group of people living in north-central Israel. Their Jewish ancestors had intermarried with non-Jews after the time when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered in 722 B.C. by the Assyrians. As a result of this, the Samaritans and the Jews did not get along. In fact, they were opposed to even coming in contact with one another (e.g. Jews traveling from north to south or vice versa would go far out of their way to go around Samaria, rather than through it). This is why some of Jesus’ acts were so radical, such as speaking with the Samaritan Woman at the Well (see John 4:1-42) or telling the story of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25-37). In this Sunday’s first reading, we see a development in the early Christian community: the Gospel spread to the Samaritans. Thus, not only Jews would be included in the Church but Samaritans too (and, later on, also Gentiles).

Philip, who was one of the first seven deacons (that we heard about in the first reading last Sunday), was the messenger to the Samaritans. Through his preaching, signs, and wonders, many of the Samaritans accepted the Gospel and were baptized. Later, the Apostles Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed and laid hands on the new believers so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. This episode evidences an early form of the Sacrament of Confirmation. As is the case today, deacons (like Philip) can baptize, but only bishops (successors of the Apostles) can administer Confirmation (except when special permission is given to priests). As in this episode, the Sacrament of Confirmation involves the laying on of hands and “the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1302), increasing and strengthening the grace received at baptism.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

Reflection:

Here Peter exhorts Christians to defend their faith when asked. Have you ever been asked why you are a Christian? Have you ever had to defend the Catholic faith? Peter calls us to “always be ready.” We never know when the opportunity may present itself to explain why we believe what we do. This is why learning about our faith is so important. How can we defend what we do not know? Peter exhorts us to know our faith so we can explain it to others. The way he presents this is enlightening. He tells us to be ready to explain the “reason for your hope.” This shows us that as Christians we should be a hope-filled people and this hope should attract people to the faith. Our hope, even in the midst of suffering or other hardships, should pique their curiosity. Also, when we explain the faith to others, we must do this “with gentleness and reverence.” Peter is, in essence, calling us to share the truth in love (see also, Ephesians 4:15). We must always be respectful and kind in sharing Christ with others, yet we should not shy away from telling and showing others the truth of our faith. He also indicates that sometimes we will suffer for sharing. People may ridicule or even persecute us for what we believe. But if we share the faith in a loving way, then we are suffering for doing good, because we have avoided sin in our approach. In suffering for doing good, we associate ourselves with Christ, who was “put to death” even though He was sinless. 

Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21

Reflection:

In this gospel reading we hear some of Jesus’ last words to His Apostles before He was crucified, spoken at the Last Supper. He exhorts His followers, including us today, to keep His commandments. This, in fact, is how we love Him. Jesus wants to be the Lord of our lives. He wants us to faithfully follow Him. The best way we can love Him is by obeying Him. This is comparable to a parent-child relationship. Parents love their children and desire their children to love them back. One of the best ways a child can express love to his or her parents is by respecting and obeying them. Jesus desires our love. He also wants us to obey Him because He knows that following His commands is what is best for us. But how is following His commandments possible? It is possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus promised to send the “Advocate,” who is the Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Holy Trinity). The Spirit will always be with the Church, guiding Her into all truth. By virtue of our Baptism and Confirmation, the Holy Spirit dwells within each of us. We are, therefore, children of God and will not be left as “orphans.” In other words, by sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus has given us everything we need to follow Him and obey His commandments. The Holy Spirit, being one with the Father and the Son, leads us into the love of God, helping us to love Him in return.

Application:

  • Think back to your Confirmation. Was there any change that you experienced in your life as a result of receiving the grace of God given in that Sacrament?
  • Have you ever had the opportunity to defend your faith when asked? How would you respond to someone asking why you are Catholic? Explore ways to learn about your faith so you may “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”
  • Jesus invites us to love Him through obeying His commandments. What is one commandment of Jesus you are struggling with? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, guiding you to embrace and follow that commandment, out of love for Jesus.