Multiplying Without Diminishing

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, March 31st, 2024:
Easter Sunday

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Acts
​10.34a, 37-43

Peter began to speak: “You know the message that spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

“We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead

“He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the Prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

​Pause. Pray. Reflect.

In the first paragraph of the First Reading for Easter Sunday, Peter recounts how Jesus was anointed by God on the banks of the Jordan River and received the Holy Spirit. Jesus then began His ministry, during which time He was accessible to many people, Gentiles and Jews alike. He travelled all throughout Judea, sharing His message widely and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. There were many witnesses to His words and works. Jesus was available during His ministry.

In the second paragraph, Peter describes a different time. Jesus had died and risen from the dead. Compared to His time in ministry, few people witnessed Jesus in His resurrected body. Peter says that God allowed Jesus to appear “not to all people” but only to “chosen” witnesses. Jesus was withdrawing from His popular ministry and, as God did on the banks of the Jordan, Jesus would anoint others with the Holy Spirit before their ministry. 

In the final paragraph, Peter reveals Jesus’ command that the apostles should preach the news that He is God, the One who forgives sins. In fulfilment of this promise, on Pentecost Jesus anoints the disciples with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, limited by His physical body, could reach a limited number of people during His time on earth. However, by anointing His disciples with the Holy Spirit, He is multiplying the Spirit, like the loaves and fish — multiplying without diminishing. Filled with the Spirit, the apostles go on to share the message in lands far beyond where Jesus Himself travelled. Like a candle lit with a single flame, they spread the fire widely, creating more and more disciples by the power of Jesus’ Holy Spirit.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me will do the things that I am doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). 

And that is what they did.

Lord God, we thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to be with the apostles and for keeping that fire alive down through the ages for us and for our children’s children. Give us eyes to see all those in our path who need Your holy fire. Amen.

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​Donna Davis

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