Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
This weekend’s First Reading and the Gospel allude to the presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church. The Holy Spirit is the promise and gift that Jesus has given to the Church.
Saint John in today’s Gospel understands that the work of the Holy Spirit has to continue, as he quotes the promise of Jesus: “The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you” (Jn 14: 26). In expounding today’s Gospel, Father Charles Miller explains, “Saint John realized that this promise was kept, not only through the inspiration of the Holy Scripture, but through the continued activity of the Holy Spirit in the Church” (Sunday Preaching, p. 314).
Strong evidence for the guidance of the Holy Spirit is clearly seen in today’s First Reading, in which the Holy Spirit was at work during the Council of Jerusalem to guide the Apostles to answer the question of whether the disciples of Jesus were obliged to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses or not. The Apostles were aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit among them, and they answered in the negative. They declared, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours, not to demand any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary” (Acts 15: 28-29).
The decision of the Apostles at the Council of Jerusalem acknowledges the essential role of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. The Holy Spirit is present and active in the People of God, and in particular in the appointed shepherds of the Church. It also acknowledges this one truth: the Holy Spirit did not stop working when the composition of the Bible was finished. We Catholics believe in scriptura (scriptures) and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides and inspires the Apostles and their successors.
Lastly, as we prepare for the conclusion of Easter and plan for the solemnity of Pentecost, the family of Saint Polycarp is preparing to bid farewell to our beloved seminarian intern Cole Buzon. His last weekend with us will be the weekend of June 11 and 12. Please come to show him your love, support, and prayers. Together with my brother priests (Fathers Tuan, Luis, and Stephen), I give thanks to God always for all of you. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
May God bless you always.
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
This weekend’s First Reading and the Gospel allude to the presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church. The Holy Spirit is the promise and gift that Jesus has given to the Church.
Saint John in today’s Gospel understands that the work of the Holy Spirit has to continue, as he quotes the promise of Jesus: “The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you” (Jn 14: 26). In expounding today’s Gospel, Father Charles Miller explains, “Saint John realized that this promise was kept, not only through the inspiration of the Holy Scripture, but through the continued activity of the Holy Spirit in the Church” (Sunday Preaching, p. 314).
Strong evidence for the guidance of the Holy Spirit is clearly seen in today’s First Reading, in which the Holy Spirit was at work during the Council of Jerusalem to guide the Apostles to answer the question of whether the disciples of Jesus were obliged to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses or not. The Apostles were aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit among them, and they answered in the negative. They declared, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours, not to demand any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary” (Acts 15: 28-29).
The decision of the Apostles at the Council of Jerusalem acknowledges the essential role of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. The Holy Spirit is present and active in the People of God, and in particular in the appointed shepherds of the Church. It also acknowledges this one truth: the Holy Spirit did not stop working when the composition of the Bible was finished. We Catholics believe in scriptura (scriptures) and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides and inspires the Apostles and their successors.
Lastly, as we prepare for the conclusion of Easter and plan for the solemnity of Pentecost, the family of Saint Polycarp is preparing to bid farewell to our beloved seminarian intern Cole Buzon. His last weekend with us will be the weekend of June 11 and 12. Please come to show him your love, support, and prayers. Together with my brother priests (Fathers Tuan, Luis, and Stephen), I give thanks to God always for all of you. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
May God bless you always.
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
