Before the Resurrection, the followers of Jesus were lost at the meaning of his “coming back from the dead” (Luke 18:34). Under way was a graced change of attitude, from recurring doubt (Mark 16:11,13,15) to joy and anticipation.

Denial turned to attestation, cowardice to rock-solid strength. That would be explosive and a game changer. They were to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was His “call.” Beyond that, we are told significantly that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was in their company. God was to “choose” the new apostle by lot from several nominated. Hence the 12th Apostle Matthias was chosen, not by vote but by “lot,” thus rooting their action in a trusting faith.

But since they were now 11, with Judas betraying the Lord and committing suicide, one particular “fulfillment” needed to remediate before the “Power from on High” would come upon and give birth to the Church at Pentecost. It represents a period given to prayer, as Jesus exhorted the Apostles (Acts 1:14). Yet these hidden moments are often powerful.įor example, the Church’s liturgical period of 10 days - the period between the Ascension of Our Lord to the infusion of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - is grounded in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1. ( LifeSiteNews) - Life offers us many examples to pivot from one event to the next, the journey from A to B and though our eyes and minds are geared to what is the goal, or promised point in the near or distant future, we often do not reflect enough on the meaning of what lies “in between” events.

Blessing of the old god