Daily Bible Readings Wednesday April 30 2008 Sixth Week of Easter

April 30 2008 Wednesday Sixth Week of Easter

About the sources used. The readings on this site are not official for the Mass of Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the USA, but are from sources free from copyright. They are here to present the comparable readings alongside traditional Catholic commentary as published in the Haydock Bible for your own personal study. Readings vary depending on your local calendar.

Official Readings of the Liturgy at – http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/043008.shtml – Note. The Official Liturgical readings may not match the current NAB you may have.

The Acts of the Apostles 17:15, 22—18:1
Haydock New Testament

And they that conducted Paul, brought him as far as Athens, and receiving a commandment from him to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him with all speed, they departed. But Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said:

Ye men of Athens, I perceive that ye are in all things over-religious. For passing by, and seeing your idols, I found an altar also, on which was written:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

What, therefore, you worship without knowing it, that I preach to you. God, who made the world and all things therein, he being the Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Nor is he served by the hands of men, as thou he needed any thing, seeing it is he who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one, all mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, determining appointed times, and the limits of their habitation. That they should seek God, if haply they may feel after him or find him: although he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, and move, and have our being: as some also of your own poets said: For we are also his offspring. Being, therefore, the offspring of God, we must not suppose the Divinity to be like unto gold or silver, or stone, the grave of art, and device of man. And God, indeed, having overlooked the times of this ignorance, now declareth to me, that all should every where do penance, Because he hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in equity, by the man, whom he hath appointed, giving faith to all, by raising him up from the dead.

And when they had heard of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked: but others said:

We will hear thee again concerning this matter.

So Paul went out from among them. But certain men adhered to him and believed: among whom was also Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman, named Damaris, and others with them. AFTER these things, departing from Athens, he came to Corinth.

Responsorial Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14
DR Challoner Text Only

Praise ye the Lord from the heavens:
praise ye him in the high places.
Praise ye him, all his angels,
praise ye him, all his hosts.
Kings of the earth and all people:
princes and all judges of the earth:
Young men and maidens:
let the old with the younger,
praise the name of the Lord:
For his name alone is exalted.
The praise of him is above heaven and earth:
and he hath exalted the horn of his people.
A hymn to all his saints to the children of Israel,
a people approaching to him. Alleluia.

The Gospel According to Saint John 16:12-15
Haydock NT

Jesus said:

I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak: and the things that are to come, he will shew you. He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of mine, and will declare it to you. All things whatsoever the Father hath are mine. Therefore, I said, that he shall receive of mine, and will shew it to you.

Haydock Commentary Acts 17:15, 22—18:1
Notes copied from Haydock Commentary Site

• Ver. 22. Over-religious.[4] Or very superstitious. To be superstitious, or given to superstition, is commonly taken for a vain and groundless religious worship, but it is also sometimes used in a good sense. And perhaps S. Paul, in the beginning of his speech to so many men of learning, does not so openly blame them for being vainly and foolishly superstitious, but by their inscription, to the unknown[5] God, he take notice how nice and exact they pretended to be, in not omitting to pay some kind of homage to any god, or gods of all other nations, whom they might not know. For some interpreters think, that by this altar they designed to worship every god of any nation, who was not come to their knowledge: or to worship that great God hinted at in the writings of Plato: or as others conjecture, that God of the Jews, of whom they might have heard such wonders, and whose name the Jews themselves said to be unknown and ineffable. However, from this inscription S. Paul takes an occasion, with wonderful dexterity, with sublime reflections, and with that solid eloquence, of which he was master, and which he employed, as often as it was necessary, to inform them, and instruct them, concerning the works of the one true God, of whom they had little knowledge, by their own fault: that this one true God made the world, and all things in it: that from one man he raised all mankind: that his presence is not confined to temples made by the hands of men, being every where, and in all creatures, preserving them every moment: that in him we live, move, and have our being, or subsist: that it is he, who hath determined the time, limits, or bounds of every empire, and kingdom, and of every man’s life: that this true God, who made, preserves, and governs all things in heaven and on earth, cannot be like to gold, silver, or any thing made by the art, or fancy of men. He puts them in mind that according even to one of their own heathen poets, Aratus, men themselves are the offspring of God, being blessed with a being and knowledge above all other creatures in this world: who by the light of reason ought to seek God, and by considering the visible effects of Providence over the world, and the creatures in it, might come to the knowledge of this one God, the author of all, at least to an imperfect knowledge of him, as men find out things by feeling, or as it were, groping in the dark. He then adds, (v. 30.) that having, as it were, overlooked, and permitted men for many ages to run on in this ignorance and blindness, in punishment of their sins, (this their ignorance of one true God, the author of all things, being wilful and inexcusable) now the same true God hath been pleased to announce to all men, that henceforward they acknowledge, and worship him, that they repent, and do penance for their sins. Wi.
• Ver. 23. It may be asked, why they had not implicit faith, worshipping the true, though unknown, God?[5] 1st. because the worship of the true God can never exist with the worship of idols; 2d. because an explicit faith in God is required of all; 3d. because it is repugnant to implicit faith, to admit any thing contrary to it, as comparing this unknown God with the pagan idols; for God to be at all, must be one. Lucan towards the end of his 2d book, hath these words:
• Et dedita sacris
• Incerti Judæa Dei.
• — What, therefore, you improperly worship, that I preach to you, and instruct you in the true worship, far different from what you pay to your strange gods.
• Ver. 24. God . . . dwelleth not in temples. He who is infinite cannot be confined to space; nor stand in need of what human hands can furnish. Temples are not for God, but for man. It is the latter who derives assistance from them. The same may be observed of all exterior acts of worship. They are serviceable, inasmuch as they proceed from, or powerfully assist, interior devotion, by the impressions which exterior objects leave upon the soul. The reciprocal action of one upon the other, in our present state of existence, is great and inevitable. A. See c. vii. sup. v. 48. — God, indeed, dwelleth in the temple, yes, and in the soul of the just man, but his is not confined there, as the idols were to their temples. Hence the prayer of Solomon at the consecration of the temple: if heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thy immensity, how much less this house, which I have erected? God dwelleth there, then, to receive the prayers and sacrifices of the faithful, but not as though he needed any thing. See v. 25. — God is not contained in temples; so as to need them for his dwelling, or any other uses, as the heathens imagined. Yet by his omnipresence, he is bother there and every where. Ch.
• Ver. 27. Feel after him. Si forte attrectent eum, ei arage yhlafhseian. It signifies palpare quasi in tenebris. Wi.
• Ver. 28. S. Paul here cites Aratus, a Greek poet, and his own countryman, a native of Cilicia.
• Ver. 29. Cherubim, which extended wings, were ordered by God to be made, and placed over the propitiatory; (Exod. xxxvii. 7.) the brazen serpent is declared by Jesus Christ himself to have been a figure of him; therefore to blame the universally received practice of the Catholic Church, with regard to pictures and images, betrays either great prevention, or great ignorance. S. Gregory says: “What writing does for readers, that a picture does for the ignorant; for in it they see what they ought to follow, and in it they read, who know no letters.” And he sharply rebukes Serenus’s indiscreet zeal for removing pictures, instead of teaching the people what use may be made of them. l. ix. ep. 9.
• Ver. 30. Overlooked. Despiciens, uperidwn. It may either signify looking down on the ignorant world, and so taking pity of it; or rather that God having overlooked, and permitted mankind to go on so long in their sins, now invites them to repentance, by sending Jesus, their Saviour and Redeemer. See the Analysis, dissert. xxxiv. Wi.
• Ver. 31. Because he hath appointed a day for judging all men with equity, by the man, to wit, Christ Jesus, a man, and also his true Son, whom he has appointed to be their judge; and by raising him (Jesus) from the dead, he hath made it credible, and given sufficient proofs of this truth, that every one shall rise from death. Wi.
• Ver. 32. When they heard of the resurrection of the dead. This seemed so impossible, even to the philosophers among them, that some of them presently laughed, and made a jest of it. Others said, we will hear thee on this another time, and some believed. Wi.
• Ver. 34. Dionysius the Areopagite. This illustrious convert was made the first bishop of Athens. They martyrologies say, S. Paul raised him to that dignity. It is the same person, who, observing the convulsions of nature, which paid homage, as it were, to its God, expiring upon the cross, and not knowing the cause, is said to have exclaimed: Either the universe is falling to ruin, or the God of nature must be suffering. It appears from his writings, that he was, previous to his conversion, of the Platonic school. Ven. Bede was mistaken in supposing that he was afterwards the bishop of Corinth, of that name, who so successfully employed his pen for the good of the Church. This Dionysius lived a whole century after the Areopagite. Estius.

Haydock Commentary John 16:12-15

• Ver. 13. When he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will teach you all truth; will direct you and the Church, in the ways of truth. For he shall not speak of himself, or of himself only, because, says S. Aug. he is not from himself, but proceedeth from the Father and the Son. Whatsoever he shall hear, he shall speak[3]; this his hearing, says S. Aug. is his knowledge, and his knowledge is his essence, or being, which from eternity is from the Father and the Son. The like expressions are applied to the Son, as proceeding from the Father. Jo. v. 30. and viii. 16. &c. Wi. — If he shall teach all truth, and that for ever, (c. xi. v. 26.) how is it possible, that the Church can err, or hath erred in matters of faith, at any time, or in any point of doctrine? In this supposition, would not the Holy Ghost have forfeited his title of Spirit of Truth?
• Ver. 15. All things whatsoever the Father hath, are mine. The obvious sense of these words, shews, that the Son hath the same nature, and the same substance with the Father, and that he is one, and the same God with him. And by Christ’s adding: therefore he (the Holy Ghost) shall receive of mine, we are taught, that the third person proceeds from both the Father, and the Son, and that he receives, and has the same perfections. Wi.

Daily Bible Readings Tuesday April 29 2008 Sixth Week of Easter

April 29 2008 Tuesday Sixth Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena

About the sources used. The readings on this site are not official for the Mass of Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the USA, but are from sources free from copyright. They are here to present the comparable readings alongside traditional Catholic commentary as published in the Haydock Bible for your own personal study. Readings vary depending on your local calendar.

Official Readings of the Liturgy at – http://www.usccb.org/nab/042908.shtml – Note. The Official Liturgical readings may not match the current NAB you may have.

The Acts of the Apostles 16:22-34
Haydock New Testament

And the people ran together against them: and the magistrates tearing off their clothes, commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them securely. Who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight, Paul and Silas praying, praised God: and they who were in prison heard them.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened: and the bands of all were loosed. And the keeper of the prison being awakened, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drawing his sword, would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying:

Do thyself no harm, for we are all here.

Then calling for a light, he went in, and trembling, fell down at the feet of Paul and Silas: And bringing them out, he said:

Masters, what must I do, that I may be saved?

But they said:

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

And he taking them the same hour of the night, washed their wounds: and he himself was baptized, and all his family forthwith. And when he had brought them into his own house, he laid the table for them, and rejoiced with all his family, believing God.

Responsorial Psalm 137:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8(NAB 138)
DR Challoner Text Only

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart:
for thou hast heard the words of my mouth.
I will sing praise to thee in the sight of the angels:
I will worship towards thy holy temple,
and I will give glory to thy name.
For thy mercy, and for thy truth:
for thou hast magnified thy holy name above all.
In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me:
thou shalt multiply strength in my soul.
Thy right hand hath saved me.
The Lord will repay for me:
thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever:
O despise not the works of thy hands.

The Gospel According to Saint John 16:5-11
Haydock NT

Jesus said:

But I told you not these things from the beginning, because I was with you: And now I go to him that sent me: and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if I go, I will send him to you.

And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment. Of sin indeed: because they have not believed in me. And of justice: because I go to the Father, and you shall see me no longer: And of the judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged.

Haydock Commentary Acts 16:22-34
Notes copied from Haydock Commentary Site

• Ver. 24. Made their feet fast in the stocks. By the Latin and Greek text, they made them fast with wood. Wi.
• Ver. 26. All the doors were opened. This made the jailer conclude the prisoners had made their escape. And he being answerable for them, and expecting to be put to death, was for stabbing himself. Wi.
• Ver. 33. Was baptized, being first told what he was to believe, and do. Wi. — Hence Catholics draw a very plausible argument for the baptism of infants, as it is very probable there were some infants in the family. See Estius in diffic.loc.

Haydock Commentary John 16:5-11

• Ver. 5. None of you asketh me, whither goest thou? S. Peter had put this question, c. xiii. 36. and Thomas, c xiv. 5. The meaning, then, of Christ’s words here, seems to be, that having told you, I am going to leave you, and also going to him that sent me, you do not ask, says S. Cyril, to be fully and thoroughly informed about it. Wi. — You suffer yourselves to be entirely overcome with grief; and none of you inquire of me, whither I am going. You look on my departure as an eternal separation between us, and take leave of me, as if we were never to meet again. But be persuaded; my absence will only be for a short continuance; and this absence will be honourable and glorious for me, and extremely advantageous for you. If you were fully persuaded of this, you would inquire how long I should be absent, and whither I was going; as one friend in the act of parting, is always accustomed to ask another. But you only torture your minds with the pain and grief you will have to suffer at my loss. Menoc. Tirin. &c.
• Ver. 6. Sorrow hath filled your heart: and this sorrow hindereth you from asking, what you should earnestly desire to know. Wi. — Peter had put the question above, c. xiii. 36. and Thomas, c. xiv. 5. But Jesus Christ means, that they did not persevere in their questions, so as to obtain satisfactory information, where, when, and for what end he was going, and how soon he was to return to them, or if to return at all. For it is customary with friends, to put the most minute questions on all these heads to friends, when they are about to be separated from each other. Menochius.
• Ver. 7. I tell you . . . it is expedient for you that I go: that I leave you, as to my corporal presence: that I suffer death, for the redemption of all men. And if I go not, the Paraclete will not come, according to the order of the divine decrees: his coming to sanctify you with his gifts, and to teach you all things, is not to be till after my ascension. When I am gone, I will send him to you. The Father and I will send him, for he proceedeth from both. Wi.
• Ver. 8. He will convince[2], or convict the world. Others translate, he will reprove the world of sin, &c. These words have occasioned a great many expositions. I here follow S. Cyril, that the Holy Ghost will condemn the Jews, and all obstinate unbelievers, of their sin, in not believing, after so many miracles, and so many pregnant motives, that ought to induce them to submit to the Christian faith. 2dly, Of justice, by shewing the justice and innocence of Christ, and also, that true justice and sanctification cannot be obtained, but by his grace. 3dly, Of judgment, by shewing that the world, and the prince of this wicked world, the devil, is justly condemned, his empire in a great measure destroyed, and that all the wicked will be justly condemned, and punished with him. Wi. — The Holy Ghost, by his coming, brought over many thousands, 1st, To a sense of their sin, in not believing in Christ. 2dly, To a conviction of the justice of Christ, now sitting at the right hand of his Father. And 3dly, To a right apprehension of the judgment prepared for them that choose to follow Satan, who is already judged and condemned. Ch. — The Greek text, in addition, has Oti ou pisteuousin eiV eme. Because they have not believed in me. This accusation and conviction of sin, cannot naturally fall on any, but the incredulous Jews. S. Aug. V. Bede, S. Chrys. Theophyl. and many others, are of opinion, that this sin was their unbelief in Jesus, after all the miracles he had done in their presence, after so many prophecies so clearly accomplished in his person, after so many prodigies and wonders, which happened at his death, at his resurrection, and after his resurrection. They are accused, and convinced of sin, particularly by sensible effects of the Holy Spirit, in the apostles, by the gift of miracles and tongues, and that supernatural knowledge, which was communicated, not only to the apostles, but also to all the first Christians. These are the means, which the Paraclete, the consoling and assisting Spirit, makes us of, to condemn, and convince the world of sin; that is, of incredulity, which is the source and foundation of all other sins. The world had calumniated and despised its Saviour. It had condemned him, as a liar, as a seducer, magician, a man possessed by the devil, a destroyer of the law of God. To which the Son of God made no resistance; he only replied, that he did not wish to take the execution of justice upon himself, and that he was not come into the world to judge the world. Therefore, he committed all to the Holy Spirit, who, in the persons of the apostles, did justice to the Son, by shewing to the whole world, his doctrines, his life, his miracles, and the accomplishment of all the ancient prophecies in his person. All that the apostles preached, they confirmed by most stupendous miracles, gained the hearts of pagans to believe Jesus as their Redeemer, and called down imprecations upon the heads of the incredulous Jews, who had rejected a prophet, visibly sent by God, a Saviour and Redeemer of his people, who, in his person, bore all the characters of the divinity. Calmet.

Daily Bible Readings Monday April 28 2008 Sixth Week of Easter

April 28 2008 Monday Sixth Week of Easter

About the sources used. The readings on this site are not official for the Mass of Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the USA, but are from sources free from copyright. They are here to present the comparable readings alongside traditional Catholic commentary as published in the Haydock Bible for your own personal study. Readings vary depending on your local calendar.

Official Readings of the Liturgy at – http://www.usccb.org/nab/042808.shtml – Note. The Official Liturgical readings may not match the current NAB you may have.

The Acts of the Apostles 16:11-15
Haydock NT

So sailing from Troas, we came with a direct course to Samothracia, and the day following to Neapolis: And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city some days, conferring together. And upon the sabbath-day, we went forth without the gate by a river side, where it seemed that there was prayer: and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were assembled. And a certain woman, named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us, whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things which were spoken by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying:

If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and remain. And she constrained us.

Responsorial Psalm 149:1b-6a and 9b
DR Challoner Text Only

Praise the Lord in the church of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him:
and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.
Let them praise his name in choir:
let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery.
For the Lord is well pleased with his people:
and he will exalt the meek unto salvation.
The saints shall rejoice in glory:
they shall be joyful in their beds.
The high praises of God shall be in their mouth:
To execute upon them the judgment that is written:
this glory is to all his saints. Alleluia.

The Gospel According to Saint John 15:26—16:4a
Haydock NT

Jesus said:

But when the Paraclete is come, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me: And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning. THESE things have I spoke to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things I have told you: that when the hour of them shall come, you may remember that I told you.

Haydock Commentary Acts 16:11-15
Notes copied from Haydock Commentary Site

• Ver. 13. There was prayer.[1] The Greek word signifies either prayer itself, or an oratory, or place to pray in. Wi. — Not every prayer is here understood, but that which was joined in the celebration of the sacred mysteries. Estius in diffic. loca. See 1 Cor. vii. and Acts vi.

Haydock Commentary John 15:26-16:4

• Ver. 26. Whom I will send. The Holy Ghost is sent by the Son: therefore he proceedeth from him also, as from the Father; though the schismatical Greeks think differently; (B.) otherwise, as Dr. Challoner says, he could not be sent by the Son.
• Ver. 27. You shall give. He vouchsafes to join together the testimony of the Holy Ghost, and of the apostles; that we many see the testimony of truth, jointly to consist in the Holy Ghost, and in the prelates of the Catholic Church. See Acts, xv. 28.
• Ver. 1. Which the persecutions you will have to suffer, on the part of man, may possible occasion, particularly with the weak.
• Ver. 4. That when the hour of them shall come[1], you may remember that I told you. This is both the sense and the construction, by the Greek text, which here determines the construction of the Latin. Wi.

Sunday Bible Readings April 27 2008 6th Sunday of Easter

April 27 2008 Sixth Sunday of Easter

About the sources used. The readings on this site are not official for the Mass of Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the USA, but are from sources free from copyright. They are here to present the comparable readings alongside traditional Catholic commentary as published in the Haydock Bible for your own personal study. Readings vary depending on your local calendar.

Official Readings of the Liturgy at – http://www.usccb.org/nab/042708.shtml – Note. The Official Liturgical readings may not match the current NAB you may have.

The Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17
Haydock NT

And Philip going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ to them. And the people were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, with one accord hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out of many who were possessed. And many taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John. Who when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: For he was not yet come upon any one of them, but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 65:1-7, 16, 20 (Ps 66 NAB)
DR Challoner Text Only

Shout with joy to God, all the earth,
Sing ye a psalm to his name;
give glory to his praise.
Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord!
in the multitude of thy strength
thy enemies shall lie to thee.
Let all the earth adore thee,
and sing to thee:
let it sing a psalm to thy name.
Come and see the works of God;
who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.
Who turneth the sea into dry land,
in the river they shall pass on foot:
there shall we rejoice in him.
Who by his power ruleth for ever:
his eyes behold the nations;
let not them that provoke him be exalted in themselves.
Come and hear, all ye that fear God,
and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul.
Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer,
nor his mercy from me.

The First Epistle of Saint Peter 3:15-18
Haydock NT

But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being always ready to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill. Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust, that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but brought to life by the spirit.

The Gospel According to Saint John 14:15-21
Haydock NT

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever, The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him; because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you. Yet a little while: and the world seeth me no more. But you see me: because I live, and you shall live. In that day, you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them: he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved by my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Haydock Commentary Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Notes copied from Haydock Commentary Site

• Ver. 15. The Holy Ghost, which the apostles came to give the Samaritan Neophytes, was not the spirit of grace, of justice, and of sanctity, for that they had received at baptism; but the spirit of strength, to confess with confidence and freedom the name of Jesus, and the supernatural and miraculous graces, usually at that time granted to the faithful, by the imposition of hands. Philip did not administer the sacrament, because he could not; he was not a bishop. Hence now in the Church, we see only the chief pastors do it, præcipuos et non alios videmus hoc facere. See S. Chrysost. hom. xviii. in Acta. — There is no mention here, it is true, of unction, but the most venerable antiquity clearly specifies it. S. Cyprian, in the third age, says: “it is moreover necessary, that he who has been baptized, should be anointed, that having received the chrism, that is, the unction, he may be the anointed of God.” Ep. lxx. — In the next age, S. Pacianus writes: “Do you say that this (the power of remitting sins) was granted only to the apostles? Then I say, that they alone could baptize, and give the Holy Spirit, for to them alone was the command of doing it given. If, therefore, the right of conferring baptism, and of anointing, descended to their successors, to them also has come the power of binding and loosing.” Ep. i. ad Sym. Bibl. Max. T. iv. p. 307.
• Ver. 17. They received the Holy Ghost. Not but that they had received the grace of the Holy Ghost at their baptism; but not that plentitude of grace, and those gifts, which they received from bishops in the sacrament of confirmation. This sacrament, as S. Chrys. observes,[2] S. Philip, the deacon, had not the power to give. Wi.

Haydock Commentary 1 Peter 3:15-18

• Ver. 15. Always ready to satisfy,[1] &c. S. Peter would have every Christian, according to his circumstances and capacity, ready to give general reasons of his faith and hope of salvation, both to infidels and heretics that refuse to believe. Wi.
• Ver. 18. Christ . . . being put to death indeed in the flesh, dying on the cross for our sins, but brought to life by the spirit.[2] By the spirit here some understand Christ’s divine spirit, and power of his divinity, by which he soon raised himself again from death to an immortal life by his glorious resurrection. But others by the spirit rather understand Christ’s soul, by which he never died, which always remained united to his divine person, and which the third day he again reunited to his body. Wi.

Haydock Commentary John 14:15-21

• Ver. 15. Instead of afflicting yourselves at our separation, and my going to the Father, you ought, if you truly love me, to testify your affection, by a faithful observance of my commandments. Behold, this is the best proof you can give me of your attachment: better far than any exterior sign of grief and tenderness. S. Chrys.
• Ver. 16. Paraclete. This is a comforter: or also an advocate: inasmuch as by inspiring prayer, he prays, as it were, in us, and pleads for us. — For ever. Hence it is evident, that this spirit of truth was not only promised to the persons of the apostles, but also to their successors, through all generations. Ch. — I have not changed the word Paraclete, which signifies, both and advocate and a comforter. He shall remain with you, and in you, for ever. What greater happiness, what greater security for the faithful, than to have this divine promise, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, remaining with the Church for ever, to protect her, and preserve her from all errors and heresies? Wi. — If the Holy Ghost had been promised only to the apostles, their successors could not have challenged the promise. But the promises and privileges were not merely personal, but attached to their office perpetually. Hence, the Holy Ghost, in every age and clime, perpetually watches over the Catholic Church, and preserves her from both open and secret attacks of her enemies.
• Ver. 19. The world seeth me no more, after my death; but you shall see me, conversing with you for forty days, after my resurrection. Wi.
• Ver. 20. In that day, when I am risen again, or when the Holy Ghost is come, you shall know that I am in the Father, and how, and in what manner: as also, how I am in you, and you in me. Our Saviour Christ, on several occasions, speaks of different ways of being united, or of being one; as first, of being one in nature and substance, and by such an union, as agrees only with the divine persons, who are one in all things. 2dly, Persons may be one, or united in affection and love, which also, as to its most perfect manner, agrees only with the three divine persons; but a similitude, and an imitation of this union of love, is found among creatures, both when they love God, and when for God’s sake, they love one another: yet these unions are as different as God, and his creatures. The Arians and Socinians lay hold on these expressions, and of the words, (c. xvii. v. 21.) when Christ prays, that his disciples may be one, as he and his Father are one, which words imply no more than a similitude, and an imitation of that union of love (with which the three divine persons love one another) though at an infinite distance. If the old or new Arians examined, with a sincere desire of finding the truth (which they ought to seek from many passages in the New Testament, as well as from the sense and tradition of the Church, guided by the promised Spirit of Truth) they might certainly find how different is the union of nature and substance of the eternal Son with his eternal Father, and of that union of the three divine persons, when they are said to be one, from that inferior and lesser union of love and affection, by which either God loves his adoptive children, his faithful servants, or they love one another: they would easily discover, that many things are said of the unity and union of the divine persons, which could not be true, unless they were one and the same God, coeternal and consubstantial, which by no means can be said of God and his creatures, nor of the union of affection only, by which the creatures love one another. Wi.
• Ver. 21. Now that Christ in this place speaks only of this imperfect union of affection, appears by the following words: he that keepeth my commandments, loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, by a recompense of glory in the next life. Wi.

Daily Bible Readings Saturday April 26 2008 5th Week of Easter

April 26 2008 Saturday Fifth Week of Easter

About the sources used. The readings on this site are not official for the Mass of Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the USA, but are from sources free from copyright. They are here to present the comparable readings alongside traditional Catholic commentary as published in the Haydock Bible for your own personal study. Readings vary depending on your local calendar.

Official Readings of the Liturgy at – http://www.usccb.org/nab/042608.shtml – Note. The Official Liturgical readings may not match the current NAB you may have.

The Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10
Haydock NT

AND he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who believed, his father being a Gentile. To this man the brethren, who were in Lystra and Iconium, gave a good testimony. Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews, who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. And as they passed through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, that were decreed by the apostles and ancients, who were at Jerusalem. And the churches indeed were confirmed in faith, and increased in number daily.

Now having passed through Phrygia, and the country of Galatia, they were forbidden, by the Holy Ghost, to preach the word of God in Asia. And when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus permitted them not. And when they had passed through Mysia, they went down to Troas: And a vision was shewn to Paul in the night: A man of Macedonia standing, and beseeching him, and saying:

Pass over into Macedonia, and help us.

And as soon as he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, being assured that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Responsorial Psalm 99 (Psalm 100 NAB)
DR Challoner Text Only

Sing joyfully to God, all the earth:
serve ye the Lord with gladness.
Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.
Know ye that the Lord he is God:
he made us, and not we ourselves.
We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Go ye into his gates with praise,
into his courts with hymns:
and give glory to him. Praise ye his name:
For the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever,
and his truth to generation and generation.

The Gospel According to Saint John 15:18-21
Haydock NT

If the world hate you, know ye that it hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for my name’s sake: because they know not him that sent me.

Haydock Commentary Acts 16:1-10
Notes copied from Haydock Commentary Site

• Ver. 3. Circumcised him. Not to obstruct the conversion of the Jews; and because it was still lawful to observe the Jewish ceremonies, though the obligation of keeping the old law had ceased. Wi. — This S. Paul did in order to gain the Jews, and make Timothy acceptable to them. Tirinus. — To the Jew, says he, (1 Cor. ix. 20.) I became a Jew, that I might gain the Jews. If he refused to circumcise Titus, in order to vindicate the Christian’s independence of the Mosaic ceremonies; he now submits to the observance of them, to shew there is nothing of itself bad in them, and that they might without crime be practised, till time by degrees had abolished them. S. Aug. ep. lxxxii. ad S. Hieronymum.
• Ver. 4. Here, as well as in the last verse of the former chapter, we see S. Paul ordering the new converts, wherever he went, to receive, as their rule of conduct, the ordinances of the apostles and priests assembled in Jerusalem.
• Ver. 6. They were forbidden by the Holy Ghost, to go, and preach at that time in the Lesser Asia, perhaps because their preaching in Macedonia was more necessary; or because S. John was to be sent into Asia. Wi. — Forbidden. Why? Because they were not yet prepared to receive the gospel; or, perhaps, these provinces were reserved for S. John, as Bithynia was for S. Luke. Menochius. — S. Leo compares this question to many others respecting the inscrutable judgments of God. Why did not the Son of God come into the world may ages before? Why did he suffer so many to die in ignorance? Why are there yet so many in infidelity? Why, in one family, does one believe and is converted, while another remains in darkness, and crime? Who shall account for the exercise he pleases to make of his rigour, or his mercy, when all were justly victims of the former? S. Leo de vocat. Gentium. lib. ii. c. 2.
• Ver. 7. The spirit of Jesus permitted them not. It is the same spirit, which just before was called the Holy Ghost: for the Holy Ghost is the spirit of Jesus, as proceeding from the Son as well as from the Father. Wi.
• Ver. 9. A vision, &c. The tutelar angel of the province, according to most interpreters, under the form of a Macedonian, who implored S. Paul in behalf of the province he guarded.
• Ver. 10. We. This change in the narration from the third, to the first person, we sought, &c. is remarkable. It is hence inferred, that S. Luke, the author of this book, joined S. Paul at Troas, and became his inseparable companion. Calmet. — It is, however, probable, that as the narrative in the first person changes again at the end of this chapter, and is not resumed, till the fifth verse of the 20th chap. that S. Luke was absent on some mission during the time that elapsed between this and their sailing from Philippi, as mentioned hereafter. Chap. xx. ver. 6. Tirinus.

Haydock Commentary John 15:18-21

• Ver. 18. If the world hate you. The wicked, unbelieving world, hate and persecute you, as they have done me; remember, that the servant must not desire to be treated better than his master. Wi.
• Ver. 20. Here Christ predicts, that many will be deaf to the words of his Church, as they have neglected to attend to his precepts.