26th May 2019 - Fr. Luke McNamara OSB on The Acts of the Apostles

On this week's programme Fr. Luke McNamara OSB gives us an overview of The Acts of the Apostles. We also have our regular reflection on the Sunday Gospel as well as some liturgical odds and ends.

You can listen to the podcast of this week's full programme HERE.

The Acts of the Apostles

Fr. Luke McNamara OSB from Glenstal shares an overview of The Acts of the Apostles, beginning by highlighting it's intrinsic connection with the Gospel of St. Luke and why it is separated from St. Luke's Gospel in the arrangement of the books of the New Testament. Fr. Luke recommends that we read The Acts of the Apostles in one sitting or perhaps over two days so that we don't miss the connections between the various parts. Once we have a sense of the whole story of Acts, we will be able to have a better understanding of how the various accounts in Acts fit together. Fr. Luke then very helpfully unpacks The Acts of the Apostles for us, noting the work of the Holy Spirit so that one could suggest that that The Acts of the Apostles be known as The Acts of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Luke especially highlights the relevance of The Acts of the Apostles to our lives today.

You can listen to a podcast of this reflection excerpted from the programme HERE.

Gospel - John 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him and make our home with him.

Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own:
it is the word of the one who sent me.

I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.

Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give,
this is my gift to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.

If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.’

Reflections on this week's gospel:

Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy
Sunday Reflections

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter Week 2
First Saturday - June 1st

Pope's Intention for June 2019
Evangelisation – Priests: That priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively to a solidarity with those who are the most poor.

Saints of the Week
May 27th – St. Augustine of Canterbury
May 28th – Blessed Margaret Pole
May 29th – St. Paul VI
May 30th – St. Joan of Arc
May 31st – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
June 1st – St. Justin Martyr