In today’s first reading from Acts we meet a very interesting couple, a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They were Jewish Christians originally from Pontus but had moved to Rome to ply their trade and evangelize. Luke tells us they had recently arrived at...
It is very surprising to see how focused the first disciples were on proclaiming their faith, that experience of the risen Christ in their lives. First, we see that they were so bursting with joy and desires to share their faith that many took off on missionary trips....
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison. Their only “crime” was setting a slave girl free from possession by a spirit – and interfering with the men who profited by her oracles. But what...
In today’s Gospel Jesus continues his Last Supper Farewell Discourse. Jesus begins this chapter by describing himself as the vine: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower…Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own...
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you…You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12,14) I have to admit the words “if you do what I command you” have always struck me as somewhat “off.” These words come in the middle of a long...
