Good morning good People!
May the Lord give you peace and blessings.
We reflect on Acts 19:1–8 and John 16:29–33. It is 02nd June 2025.
Responsorial Psalm: “Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.” (Ps 68:33).
“The Christian who does not invoke the Spirit lives as though Christ never rose from the dead.” – Inspired by the witness of Saints Marcellinus and Peter.
So let us ask:
- Does our conscience question the way we pray and live?
- If it does not, have we silenced the Holy Spirit or ignored His persistent whisper?
Saints Marcellinus and Peter were martyred for their unwavering fidelity. Tradition holds that they converted many even in prison, not by intellectual arguments alone, but by the charismatic power of the Holy Spirit working through their witness. Before their execution, they were known to have said: “Let the Holy Spirit be your strength, for no prison can bind a soul set free in Christ.” (Attributed to St. Peter the Exorcist, fellow martyr).
The first reading reminds us that Baptism is not the end, but only the beginning of our faith journey. Our life in Christ matures and becomes whole only through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.
Yes, we have been baptized—perhaps even confirmed—yet many of us have not truly encountered or experienced the fire of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. In much of our Catholic worship, we invoke the Spirit formally, but rarely do we consciously commune with the Spirit of Truth who dwells within us.
Turning away from sin is necessary—but not enough. To be Catholic is not merely to follow rituals or attend celebrations. These are outer garments. The soul of the Christian life is found in embracing the life of the Spirit through an interior transformation that leads us into communion with God.
To enjoy the fullness of our faith, we must engage in the daily personal effort of submitting ourselves—heart, mind, and will—to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, our faith remains shallow and incomplete.
Their lives echo the call of the Gospel today.
In John 16:29–33, Jesus prepares His disciples for trials, warning them that the road ahead will be filled with trouble. Yet, He leaves them with this triumphant assurance:
“In the world you will have trouble but be brave: I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)
It may seem easy to say we believe in Jesus—but to live as His disciples of love, forgiveness, peace, and hope is a challenge, especially when we have unconsciously disconnected ourselves from the Spirit who empowers us.
We are quick to walk away from the Spirit, yet slow and sluggish to reconnect with Him. True Christian victory is not just believing but faithfully witnessing—even in adversity—through the dynamic strength of the Holy Spirit.
May we echo the psalmist’s call today:
“Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.” (Psalm 68:33)
Let us not only sing with lips, but with lives transformed by the Spirit.
May the martyrdom of Saints Marcellinus and Peter inspire us to live fearlessly, love deeply, and pray unceasingly—with the Holy Spirit as our constant companion.
Have a blessed day and may the fire of Pentecost burn anew in you.