1. Jesus Christ came into the world that He might destroy the power of the devil, and in its place establish the kingdom of God; hence at His Ascension He left His Church small, it is true, but yet complete, that, like a grain of mustard-seed, it might grow until it had filled the whole world.
2. This growth and expansion of the Church was first begun in Judea, and afterwards extended to the whole world, under and by the apostles themselves, whose history we are about to relate in the following chapters.
Questions to Consider : 96. What is said of the rise and development of the Church?
1. After the Ascension the apostles remained at Jerusalem, as they had been commanded. For ten days they continued in prayer, the Blessed Virgin and many of the disciples being with them. They occupied an upper room—called among Eastern nations a Cenaculum. Here in all were assembled about a hundred and twenty persons.
2. It was during this time Peter rose and proposed that, as Judas Iscariot had proved false to his apostleship, another be chosen in his stead. The proposition was approved, and, having prayed to God, lots were cast, and Matthias, one of the disciples, chosen.
1. Ten days after the Ascension of Jesus Christ was celebrated the Jewish Pentecost. On this day, while the apostles and disciples were still within the upper chamber, suddenly there was heard the sound as if it were of a great wind coming from heaven. At the same time tehre appeared cloven tongues of fire, that sat upon each one present.
2. In a moment all were filled with the Holy Ghost. No longer timid or fearful, the apostles sallied forth to preach Christ and Him crucified.
Jerusalem was filled with strangers who had come up from all parts of the world to celebrated the feast of Pentecost. Soon the news spread abroad, and in a short time an immense multitude assembled round the house in which the apostles were. But what was their astonishment when each one heard the apostles speaking in his own tongue!
3. Amazed and confounded the asked: "Are not these Galileans who speak? and how comes it that we every one hear our own tongue?" But others said: "They are full of new wine."
4. Then Peter rose, and standing with the eleven, said: "Men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, know that these men are not drunk, but in them are fulfilled the words of the prophet Joel: 'And it shall come to pass and I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh.'
5. "Moreover, this also hear: Jesus of Nazareth, a man who, by the wonders and miracles He wrought in your midst, proved Himself sent by God, was crucified and put to death by wicked men; but now He is in heaven, seated at the right hand of God. It is He that has poured out His Spirit upon us, as you see; and it is certain that Jesus is the Savior and the Lord of Heaven and earth."
6. When the multitude heard this, they were touched with compunction, and asked Peter what they would do. But he answered: "Do penance, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ."
On this occasion about three thousand were baptized. With them began that miraculous expansion of the Church, that, increasing day by day, ended in the conversion of the world and the establishment of Christianity.
7. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost enlightened the minds of the multitude, that they might understand the apostles; but at Babel God confounded the multitude, that by the confusion of tongues their pride might be humbled and their vain project stopped.
8. The first Jewish Pentecost was celebrated at Mount Sinai, amid thunder and lightning. There God proclaimed the Old Law. On the first Christian Pentecost the Holy Ghost came in the form of fiery tongues, that He might confirm and give testimony of the New Law.
The Jewish Pentecost was celebrated during the harvest feast; on the first Christian Pentecost the Holy Ghost reaped a rich harvest of converts among the Jews.
Questions to Consider : 98.—When was Pentecost celebrated? What happened to the apostles? Who were in Jerusalem? What caused astonishment? What did Peter say? What did the people do? How many were converted at Peter's first sermon? What is said of the Jewish and what of the Christian Pentecost?