“When they came to him, he addressed them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.” (Acts of the Apostles 20:18)
In commenting on these verses from today’s First Reading, Saint John Chrysostom writes:
“Look, although [Paul] was in a hurry to sail past, he did not overlook them but planned everything. He sent for the leaders and broadcast his words through them. It is worthy of admiration how finding himself under compulsion to say something great about himself, he tries to make the least of it. For just as Samuel, about to hand over the rule to Saul, said in their presence, “Have I taken anything from you? You are witnesses and God also.” Likewise Paul himself says to the Corinthians, “I have been a fool! You forced me.” Even God does this: he speaks of himself not for no reason but when he is disbelieved, and then he offers his benefits. Observe, then, what Paul does here. First he brings up their testimony, so that you should not think he is boasting, and calls the listeners themselves to be witnesses of his words, since he was not likely to lie in their presence.” (Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, 44)
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
