I. FOR THE CONFERRAL OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
4. Confirmation
764 Reading from the Old Testament
1.
On that day,
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,
and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:
a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A Spirit of counsel and of strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,
and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge,
nor by hearsay shall he decide,
But he shall judge the poor with justice,
and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 11:1-4a
Isaiah predicts that the line of David will produce the Messiah with the first verse; “stump of Jesse”, Kind David’s father. The stump refers to the line of David being cut back during the Babylonian Exile. He follows with, for the first time in scripture, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit[13] (note also, the reference to fullness, in Hebrew numerology the number “7” is the perfect number.). In the Septuagint and the Vulgate the word "piety" is coupled with “fear of the Lord”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
Thus says the Lord:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
Upon whom I have put my Spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
Not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 42:1-3
This is the first of the four “Servant of the Lord” oracles from Isaiah. Speaking as the mouth of God, the prophet speaks of a renewal of Israel in his time. The servant comes, not as a violent zealot but with the quiet power of God (“A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench”). This model of servant-hood paints a picture of the Messiah's humble character; the example for later Christian evangelists.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly,
to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
To announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God,
to comfort all who mourn;
To place on those who mourn in Zion
a diadem instead of ashes,
To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning,
a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit.
You yourselves shall be named priests of the LORD,
ministers of our God shall you be called.
I will give them their recompense faithfully,
a lasting covenant I will make with them.
Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations,
and their offspring among the peoples;
All who see them shall acknowledge them
as a race the LORD has blessed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9
The prophetic vision from Isaiah begins with words used by Jesus himself in Luke 4: 18-19. In the day it was first used, it was inspired by the return of the faithful from the Babylonian exile. It envisions the coming of the messianic age, foreseeing the saving work of the Messiah (“…glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners”).
The oracle continues, seeing the re-establishment of the Temple and priests to serve it. This vision is also seen as the prediction of the new covenant and the establishment of the New Jerusalem. All who dwell there are blessed.
CCC: Is 61:1-2 714; Is 61:1 436, 695, 716, 1286; Is 61:6 1539
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
Thus says the Lord:
I will take you away from among the nations,
gather you from all the foreign lands,
and bring you back to your own land.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you
to cleanse you from all your impurities,
and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts
and giving you natural hearts.
I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes,
careful to observe my decrees.
You shall live in the land I gave your ancestors;
you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ez 36:24-28
The Prophet declares that God has adopted the faithful as a special possession. In adopting those he calls he first purifies them, cleansing them from sin (“I will sprinkle clean water upon you”) and only God may do this; forgiveness is His alone. The process is continued with an indelible change of heart accomplished this time through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (“I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you”). This process, once completed, brings forth a new creation and heavenly adoption. (“…you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”) Theologically, this passage embodies the modern understanding of the gifts given in the Sacrament of Baptism.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
Children of Zion, exult
and rejoice in the LORD, your God!
You shall eat and be filled,
and shall praise the name of the LORD, your God,
Because he has dealt wondrously with you;
my people shall nevermore be put to shame.
And you shall know that 1 am in the midst of Israel;
I am the LORD, your God, and there is no other;
my people shall nevermore be put to shame.
Then afterward I will pour out
my Spirit upon all mankind.
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions;
Even upon the servants in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit.
And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jl 2:23a-3: l-3a [1]
The land has suffered a great plague of locusts and Joel has called the people of Israel to repentance. They are now being called to rejoice, their prayer for salvation has been answered and the Lord has shown his abundant mercy. The people now point to their bounty, thanking God and showing others how blessed they are to have such a savior.
Joel sees coming “Day of the Lord” in his oracle “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.” He foresees the Holy Spirit’s outpouring in concert with Isaiah (Isaiah 32:15), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 11:19), and Zechariah (Zechariah 12:10). This outpouring will wash away all weakness (note: the word “flesh” is used to describe human weakness: see Genesis 6:3; Psalm 78:39; Sirach 14:17-18; Mark 14:38; and Romans 7:18).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
765 Reading from the New Testament
1.
Jesus showed the Apostles that he was alive
by many proofs after he had suffered,
appearing to them during forty days
and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them,
he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem,
but to wait for “the promise of the Father
about which you have heard me speak;
for John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
When they had gathered together they asked him,
“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons
that the Father has established by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 1:3-8
Immediately following the introductory comments of St. Luke, he begins the Acts of the Apostles he connects the events that have just taken place in his first volume- The Gospel of Luke, with what will follow. The Acts of the Apostles has been called "the Gospel of the Holy Spirit" and in these opening comments we hear the first of the references to it as the Lord informs the Apostles that shortly they will be anointed by the Holy Spirit.
For their part, the Apostles, through their question, show they are still thinking in earthly terms. They ask if the Messiah will restore Israel to her Davidic glory. The Lord then responds telling them that they will have another mission, one which begins once the Holy Spirit has been imparted. Using the interval of days, Luke links the resurrection, Christ’s glorification, and his ascension with the appearance of the Holy Spirit – the Pascal Mystery. Christ’s departure marks the end of his direct involvement with the Apostles, except for his appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in
Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to
them:
"You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem.
Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
"Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God
with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs,
which God worked through him in your midst,
as you yourselves know.
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
"God raised this Jesus;
of this we are all witnesses.
Exalted at the right hand of God,
he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father
and poured it forth, as you both see and hear."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 2:1-6, 14, 22b-23, 32-33
“When the Time for Pentecost was fulfilled” – the word in its Greek form means “fifty” so we understand this phrase to mean – fifty days after Christ’s resurrection (Easter). An interesting coincidence is the Jewish Festival of Weeks (Harvest Festival “Shavuoth”) was also called Pentecost. Whether it was taken first by the Christians and later adopted by the Hellenistic Jews we do not know.
Those present (not just the disciples) heard a loud noise like the rushing of the wind. This signified a new action by God. Indeed we see the symbol of the Holy Spirit, a flame, descend upon the Apostles launching them into prayers of ecstasy that were heard by all present in their own language. This event can be interpreted as a representation of the universal mission of the Church to all peoples of all nations.
The passage next provides St. Peter's address. He offers proofs that Jesus is the Messiah and that all that transpired was part of God's plan of salvation for the people. The people are informed that Jesus has been raised from the dead and what transpires now, as the Holy Spirit is poured out, is a direct result of the revelation by Jesus of God's saving plan.
CCC: Acts 2:1-4 1287; Acts 2:1 2623; Acts 2:3-4 696; Acts 2:21 432, 2666; Acts 2:22 547; Acts 2:23 597, 599; Acts 2:33 659, 788
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
On that day, there broke out a severe persecution
of the Church in Jerusalem,
and all were scattered throughout the countryside
of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.
Those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
When the Apostles in Jerusalem
heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,
they sent them Peter and John,
who went down and prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
for he had not yet fallen upon any of them;
they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them
and they received the Holy Spirit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 8:1, 4, 14-17
This selection describes the first concerted effort to eradicate Christianity. Following the death of St. Stephen, we are told that “all were scattered […] except the Apostles.” This is pointed at by many scholars as implying that it was the Hellenists (Greek) Jews only who were scattered.
This exodus of Christians into the surrounding territories had the unintended effect of spreading the Christian faith more rapidly than it may otherwise have moved. This new development causes Peter and John to go out and, as the passage concludes, bring the first non-Jews into the Christian faith.
"A distinction is made in Acts between Baptism, which confers the Spirit in an invisible way (Acts 2:38), and the laying on of hands which calls down the Spirit to manifest his presence in a visible and charismatic way (Acts 19:6). In the interpretive tradition of the Church, this deeper conferral of the Spirit through the imposition of hands is linked with Confirmation, a sacrament that follows Baptism and is integral to the process of Christian initiation."[2]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius,
a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica.
Cornelius said to Peter:
"I sent for you immediately,
and you were kind enough to come.
Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God
to listen to all that you have been commanded by the Lord."
Then Peter proceeded to speak and said,
"You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the Devil,
for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible,
not to all the people, but to us,
the witnesses chosen by God in advance,
who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people
and testify that he is the one appointed by God
as judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness,
that everyone who believes in him
will receive forgiveness of sins through his name."
While Peter was still speaking these things,
the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 10:1, 33-34a, 37-44
This is part of Peter’s speech to the Cornelius the Apostle launches into the Good News which he starts with a description of the Baptism of the Lord ( Acts 10:34-38). His discourse continues, recounting the life and works of Jesus. He concludes with the details of the resurrection of the Lord and how all who believe in him will be saved through the forgiveness of their sins. Even as he recounted this, the Holy Spirit descends upon those gathered and Peter has the entire household baptized.
CCC: Acts 10:35 761; Acts 10:38 438, 453, 486, 1289; Acts 10:39 597; Acts 10:41 659, 995; Acts 10:42 679
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
Paul cam to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him,
"We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
He said, "How were you baptized?"
They replied, "With the baptism of John."
Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus."
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Acts 19:lb-6a
While Apollos stays in Corinth strengthening the Church there, Paul goes down to Ephesus. In this passage he describes the difference between the Baptism of John which was for repentance and the baptism of Jesus (for forgiveness). When Paul "laid his hands on them" they were given a special task and set aside for the Lord. This was the ritual message implicit in the actions of St. Paul.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
Brothers and sisters:
Since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
And hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
For Christ, while we were still helpless,
died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,
though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die.
But God proves his love for us
in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rom 5:1-2, 5-8
In the previous chapter, St. Paul has established that through faith in Jesus Christ, the Christian is justified (recreated just as if they had not sinned). The apostle now begins a discussion of how this justification is experienced. The reconciled Christian will be saved, sharing with hope in the risen Christ.
"The justified are endowed with theological virtues. By faith, they live in peace with God and have access to his grace; in hope, they long for the glory of God that awaits them; and in love, they show that the charity of the Spirit dwells in their hearts (CCC 1813). Equipped in this way, believes can become more like Christ through endurance and suffering (CCC 618)."[10]
“Popular piety frequently construed reverses and troubles as punishment for sin; cf John 9:2. Paul therefore assures believers that God's justifying action in Jesus Christ is a declaration of peace. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ displays God's initiative in certifying humanity for unimpeded access into the divine presence. Reconciliation is God's gift of pardon to the entire human race.”[3]
CCC: Rom 5:3-5 2734, 2847; Rom 5:5 368, 733, 1820, 1964, 2658; Rom 5:8 604
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
Brothers and sisters:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,
but you received a Spirit of adoption,
through whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs,
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if only we suffer with him
so that we may also be glorified with him.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rom 8:14-17
St. Paul continues his discourse about the importance of making life in the spirit a priority as opposed to the life of the “un-spiritual.” He reminds his Christian audience that when they became Christians they were not made slaves but adopted children of God. They are able, he tells them, to call God “Abba,” the familial term used by Jesus. He emphasizes that they are coheirs with Christ whose sufferings and glory they share.
"Paul reflects on the sonship of believers in Christ. Though Christ is the eternal Son of God by nature, we share in his life and become adopted sons of God by grace. This takes effect through the Spirit, who is poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5) and shows us the way to the Father (8:15) (CCC 1996)." [11]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God’s will.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rom 8:26-27
In the previous verses, St. Paul’s dialogue has been explaining to the Romans that the glory of Christ will be shared by those who believe in him, and the sufferings of the present life are preparatory to future redemption. It is through the Holy Spirit that interior faith is communicated to God in prayer. Even the imperfect intent of the Christian is received because of the intercession of the Holy Spirit and because of God’s love and mercy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
Brothers and sisters:
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the
same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.
As a body is one though it has many parts
and all the parts of the body, though many are one body,
so also Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized in to one Body.
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves of free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Cor 12:4-13
St. Paul associates different gifts within the community to the same Holy Spirit. He thus calls out the beauty of diversity and the need for it within the community of faith. All gifts serve the same purpose; the greater glory of God. All gifts are needed within the body of Christ which is his Church. In the closing verses of the selection he emphasizes the unity of all Christians because we are all baptized with the same Holy Spirit; becoming members of the one Body of Christ - the Church.
CCC: 1 Cor 12 1988, 2003; 1 Cor 12:3 152, 449, 455, 683, 2670, 2681; 1 Cor 12:4-6 249; 1 Cor 12:6 308; 1 Cor 12:7 801, 951; 1 Cor 12:9 1508; 1 Cor 12:13 694, 790, 798, 1227, 1267, 1396
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
Brothers and sisters:
Live by the Spirit
and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other,
so that you may not do what you want.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Gal 5:16-17, 22-23a, 24-25
St. Paul in this selection reminds the Galatians that with freedom in Christ comes a higher calling. He contrasts “works of the flesh” with “fruit of the Spirit”, providing a catalogue of virtues. The evangelist gives the community a clear warning that those who follow the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God but those who “belong to Christ Jesus” have experienced an inner conversion. Those “crucified in their flesh” are able to rise above worldly desires and live in the spirit.
CCC: Gal 5 1454; Gal 5:16-25 2744, 2819; Gal 5:16 2515; Gal 5:17 2515; Gal 5:22-23 736; Gal 5:22-23 Vulg. 1832; Gal 5:22 1108, 1695, 2345; Gal 5:24 2515, 2543, 2555; Gal 5:25 736, 782, 1695, 2516, 2842, 2848
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He chose us in Christ, before the foundation of the world.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 1:3a, 4a, 13-19a
After his introductory address and blessing, St. Paul offers a prayer that the community may receive full spiritual understanding of the mystery decreed in Christ. His statement “…your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones” provides a strong link between “faith” and “love”. Faith in Christ and love of each other form a cornerstone of the community, connected perpetually. The prayer for “wisdom and revelation” goes beyond a simple understanding of God’s plan, but knowledge of God, himself. The prayer for enlightenment promotes the idea that only through an understanding of God’s great sacrifice can the hope offered by the savior be realized.
CCC: Eph 1:3-14 2627, 2641; Eph 1:3-6 381, 1077; Eph 1:3 492, 1671; Eph 1:4-5 52, 257; Eph 1:4 492, 796, 865, 1426, 2807; Eph 1:13-14 706, 1274; Eph 1:13 693, 698, 1296; Eph 1:14 1107; Eph 1:16-23 2632; Eph 1:18 158; Eph 1:19-22 272, 648
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:
one body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 4:1-6
St. Paul begins this chapter of his letter to the Ephesians with an exhortation to live (walk) in unity with each other. The theological foundation (the "mystery" of Christ - the calling of all men, Gentiles and Jews, to form a single people, the Church) laid down in the previous parts of the letter is now translated into the need to act upon that reality. The apostle's plea for unity uses the litany of bonds that bring Christian unity: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one baptism, and one God and Father.
"To show the importance of unity in the Church, and the theological basis of that unity, St Paul quotes an acclamation which may well have been taken from early Christian baptismal liturgy. It implies that the unity of the Church derives from the unicity of the divine essence. The text also reflects the three persons of the Blessed Trinity who are at work in the Church and who keep it together – one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father." [12]
"To show the importance of unity in the Church, and the theological basis of that unity, St Paul quotes an acclamation which may well have been taken from early Christian baptismal liturgy. It implies that the unity of the Church derives from the unicity of the divine essence. The text also reflects the three persons of the Blessed Trinity who are at work in the Church and who keep it together – one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father." [12]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
766 Responsorial Psalm
1.
R. (23a) I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
or:
R. (John 15:26-27) When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be my
witnesses.
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you:
"You who fear the LORD, praise him;
all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him."
R. I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
or:
R. When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be my witnesses.
By your gift will 1 utter praise in the vast assembly;
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him.
The lowly shall eat their fill;
they who seek the LORD shall praise him:
"May your hearts be ever merry!"
R. I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
or:
R. When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be my witnesses.
All the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the LORD;
All the families of the nations
shall bow down before him;
my descendants shall serve him.
Let the coming generation be told of the LORD
that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born
the justice he has shown.
R. I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
or:
R. When the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be my witnesses.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 22:23-24ab, 26-27, 28 and 31-32
Psalm 22 is an individual lament. The psalmist, in unusually passionate terms describes the devotion of the faithful and the trust that God’s rule over all will be just. The psalmist reminds us that he sees his praise as a gift of spirit given by God returning to God ("By your gift will 1 utter praise in the vast assembly"). The final strophe is a pledge of faithfulness for all generations to come.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar songs in the
entire psalter. “God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the
figures of a shepherd for the flock (Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's
generosity toward a guest (Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of
the exodus (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).” [4] While the
theme of shepherd is mentioned in the first strophe, the psalm really speaks to
the peace given to those who follow the Lord and place their trust in Him, even
into the “dark valley.”
The
reference in the third strophe above: “'You spread the table before me in
the sight of my foes' occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's
friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially
at banquets (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37, 46; John 12:2).”[5]
CCC: Ps 23:5 1293
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
R. (3) Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands;
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Worship the LORD in his holy attire.
Tremble before him, all the earth;
say among the nations: The LORD is king.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 9-10a, 11-12
“Announce his salvation, day after day.” This song of praise to the Lord invites all humanity to participate in God’s salvation. “This psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Isaiah Chapters 40-55, as does Psalm 98. Another version of the psalm is 1 Chronicles 16:23-33.”[6]
This selection recalls that all creation should proclaim God's greatness. It is through the Father's hands that all things came to be and were created. It is the great act in which all rejoice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
R. (see 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you have wrought them all-
the earth is full of your creatures.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
They all look to you
to give them food in due time.
When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
Pleasing to him be my theme;
I will be glad in the LORD.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 104:1ab and 24, 27-28, 30-31, 33-34
Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise. Called one of the most remarkable songs in the psalter, it praises God for his great works and omnipotent power over all creation. There is a striking reference to rebirth in God whose Holy Spirit is a creative force with; “When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth” which many will recognized from the common Prayer of the Holy Spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
R. (Acts 1:8) You will be my witnesses to all the world.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
R. You will be my witnesses to all the world.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us,
and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. You will be my witnesses to all the world.
or:
R. Alleluia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 117:lbc, 2
“This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God's supremacy. The supremacy of Israel's God has been demonstrated to them by the people's secure existence, which is owed entirely to God's gracious fidelity.”[7] Using a refrain from St. Mark’s Gospel, the psalm is one of praise for the Good News of God’s salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
R. (see 1) I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones Mess you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you
and you give them their food in due season;
You open your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 8-9, 10-11, 15-16, 21
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. This singer, in these strophes, pours out his heart to God whose greatness is unknowable and who, through his creation, has demonstrated majesty beyond any human undertaking. He extols the faithful to give thanks and praise to God with their works as well as their worship. The Lord deserves absolute and complete dedication from his chosen ones. “May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
768 Gospel
1.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 5:1-12a
This section of the Sermon on the Mount begins the first of five great discourses in St. Matthew’s Gospel. He begins using a formula common in the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament with “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”(Job 5:17; Proverbs 3:13; Sirach 25:8-9) This designation identifies those without material resources, completely dependent upon God. (This distinction is for the devout poor.) The discourse continues blessing those who mourn, who are meek, who “hunger” for righteousness (to adopt the Lord’s law of love in their hearts), the merciful, the clean of heart (those who are reconciled to God), the peacemakers, the persecuted, and finally those who will be reviled because they profess faith in Christ.
The litany of praises for those to be blessed by the Lord has an overarching theme. It holds up the spiritual strength of complete dependence on God for life, health, and prosperity. St. Matthew captures the strength in that dependence and God’s promise of salvation through the words of the Savior.
It is noteworthy that the word “Blessed” [μακάριοι (makάrios) in Greek and Beati in Latin] is translated “Happy” in many Old Testament texts. The idea of happiness or peace as a blessing from God is an important understanding about the intent of this discourse.
CCC: Mt 5:1 581; Mt 5:3-12 1716; Mt 5:3 544, 2546; Mt 5-7 2763; Mt 5-6 764; Mt 5:8 1720, 2518; Mt 5:9 2305, 2330; Mt 5:11-12 520
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
Jesus said to all,
"Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life? Or what can one give
in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,
and then he will repay each one according to his conduct."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 16:24-27
This is the second time within the Gospel of St. Matthew the Lord instructs the disciples that if they wish to follow him, they must take up the cross (the first time is in Matthew 10:38). This passage focuses the followers of Christ on the idea that serving the Lord must come before any other purposes in life, since it is through following Jesus that eternal life is gained. The final verse infers that the reward to the faithful is variable, that to some greater honor is given.
CCC: Mt 16:24-26 736; Mt 16:24 226, 618, 2029; Mt 16:25-26 363; Mt 16:25 2232; Mt 16:26 1021
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents
came forward bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 25:14-30
The parable of the Talents comes to us as part of Jesus’ dialogue about being prepared and vigilant. It combines two different but connected logions or morals/teaching points. The first is to use the gifts God has given for the benefit of God, who is represented by the “master” in the parable. The second is vigilance. This parable, directed at the disciples, exhorts his servants to use the gifts God has given them to the fullest for the benefit of others (as well as God). It is an exclamation point to Jesus earlier statement: “those to whom much is given, even more will be expected” (see also Luke 12:48).
CCC: Mt 25:14-30 546, 1936; Mt 25:21 1029, 1720, 2683; Mt 25:23 1029, 1720
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 1:9-11
St. Mark describes, briefly the baptism event. “He saw the heavens . . . and the Spirit . . . upon him: indicating divine intervention in fulfillment of promise. Here the descent of the Spirit on Jesus is meant, anointing him for his ministry; cf Isaiah 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; 63:9. A voice . . . with you I am well pleased: God's acknowledgment of Jesus as his unique Son, the object of his love. His approval of Jesus is the assurance that Jesus will fulfill his messianic mission of salvation.”[8]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 4:16-22a
This selection from St. Luke’s Gospel takes place immediately following the Lord’s Baptism by St. John and trial in the desert. His return to Galilee is also documented in St. Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 4:12-17). Here the Lord begins his public ministry with a straightforward statement of his identity and mission; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free”. This announcement of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 61:1-2) being fulfilled tells the audience he is the Messiah who came bringing them salvation.
The Lord concludes alluding to the fact that Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in his incarnation. Those who hear this are amazed but later challenge this amazement as their rational thought over comes the truth of his words.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another
journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable.
"A sower went out to sow his seed.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled,
and the birds of the sky ate it up.
Some seed fell on rocky ground,
and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew with it and choked it.
And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grrw,
it produced fruit a hundredfold."
After saying this, he called out,
"Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."
Then his disciples asked him
what the meaning of this parable might be.
He answered,
"The seed is the word of God.
Those on the path are the ones who have heard,
but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their liearts
that they may not believe and be saved.
Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear,
receive the word with joy, but they have no root;
they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.
As for the seed that fell among thorns,
they are the ones who have heard,
but as they go along,
they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life,
and they fail to produce mature fruit.
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil,
they are the ones who, when they have heard the word,
embrace it with a generous and good heart,
and bear fruit through perseverance."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 8:4-10a, 11b-15
Jesus uses the rich analogy of the seed (of faith given in Baptism) to show the various courses of faith in human endeavor. Because our selection gives not only the parable but the Lord’s explanation of its meaning the only historical note we will make is that, at that point in history in that region, when planting a field, the seed was sown first and then the field was plowed. (See more extensive commentary on Matthew 13:1-23)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 10:21-24
Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit because his disciples have understood his role of Messiah in the kingdom. He restates his relationship as Son of God (“No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.") The inference here is that we must approach that faith with “childlike” faith and trust in order to achieve that level of understanding.
Earlier in this chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sent out the seventy (two). Just prior to this selection, they returned and reported great success in doing what the Lord asked of them. We are given in today’s passage his prayer of thanks to the Father The Lord gives thanks that God has seen fit to reveal his identity and pass on his power to these disciples of his. It is reiterated that the Kingdom of God shall be revealed to the childlike (see also Luke 8:10) and turning to his disciples, he tells them that the victory they are witnessing is the Good News hoped for by prophets and kings throughout history.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
Jesus stood up and exclaimed,
"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture says:
Rivers of living water will flow from within him."
He said this in reference to the Spirit
that those who came to believe in him were to receive.
There was, of course, no Spirit yet,
because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 7:37b-39
“On each of the eight days of the feast of Tabernacles the high priest went to the pool of Siloam and used a golden cup to bring water to the temple and sprinkle it on the altar, in remembrance of the water which sprang up miraculously in the desert, asking God to send rain in plenty (cf. Exodus 17:1-7). Meanwhile, a passage from the prophet Isaiah was chanted (cf. Isaiah 12:3) which told of the coming of the Savior and of the outpouring of heavenly gifts that would accompany him; Ezekiel 47 was also read, in which it spoke of the torrents of water which would pour out of the temple. Jesus, who would have been at this ceremony, now proclaims - in the presence of a huge crowd, undoubtedly, because it was the most solemn day of the festival- that that time has come: "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink ...” This invitation recalls the words of divine wisdom: "Come to me, you who desire me, and eat your fill" (Sirach 24:19; cf. Proverbs 9:4-5). Our Lord presents himself as him who can fill man's heart and bring him peace (cf. also Matthew 11:28). In this connection St Augustine exclaims: "You made us for yourself. Lord, and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you" (Confessions, 1, 1, 1).”[9]
Jesus scriptural reference is probably to Ezekiel 36:25ff providing a strong the theological link between the initial gift of the Holy Spirit (“I will put my spirit within you “) and baptism (“I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities“. This symbolic action of washing, a Hebrew ritual, becomes an efficacious sign of grace when coupled with God’s presence in the Holy Spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows it.
But you know it, because it remains with you,
and will be in you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 14:15-17
The farewell speech of the Lord continues with the promise of the Holy Spirit – the Paraclete. We note he says “another advocate”; Jesus himself is the first advocate (in St. John’s Gospel the term used synonymously with spokesman, mediator, intercessor, comforter, and consoler). Jesus says this gift is “The Spirit of truth” (from the Quamram or Dead Sea Scrolls- a moral force put into a person by God.). This promise is made because the disciples are becoming worried and are afraid of being left without Jesus’ guidance.
CCC: Jn 14:16-17 729, 2615; Jn 14:16 692; Jn 14:17 243, 687, 2466, 2671
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 14:23-26
The farewell speech of the Lord continues with the promise of the Holy Spirit – the Paraclete. This promise is made because the disciples are becoming worried and are afraid of being left without Jesus’ guidance. In addition to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he leaves his peace, not just the greeting “Shalom” but an inner peace that conquers fear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
It you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 15:18-21, 26-27
Jesus gives the disciples a paradox in telling them that while they are part of the world (meaning here, secular society) they are separated from that society through their association with Christ. He then reminds them that because they are his, they too will suffer persecution by those he (and they) come to save.
The Lord also tells them of the strength to be given in the “Advocate”, the “Spirit of truth”, the Holy Spirit (see commentary on John 14:15-21). Because of the gift of the Holy Spirit, he predicts to his friends that once they receive it they will begin to spread the Good News he gives them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 16:5b-7, 12-13a
In this selection Jesus reemphasizes that he is returning to the Father and it is only when he does so that the Paraclete will be given to the disciples. The Lord goes on to explain that through the Advocate an understanding of the Good News and the mission upon which they will be sent will be imparted to them by the Holy Spirit. It is an truth that they cannot bear to hear at that point because they are still grief stricken over the physical loss of Jesus presences.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[2] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. pp. 220[3] See NAB Footnote on Romans 5:1-11
[4] See NAB Footnote on Psalm 23
[5] ibid
[6] See NAB Footnote on Psalm 96
[7] See NAB Footnote on Psalm 17
[8] See NAB footnote on Mark 1:10-11
[9] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 604
[10] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. pp. 263
[11] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p.267
[12] Letters of St. Paul , The Navarre Bible, Four Courts Press, 2003, p 391
No comments:
Post a Comment