The Holy Martyr Basiliscus (286-305)
Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat.
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Acts 19:1-8; John 14:1-11
We hear in the epistle a concrete example of the fact that “not left orphans” after Christ’s ascension as the stichera of the feast reminds us. Paul offers baptism to those in Corinth more potent than that of John. He baptizes them in the Holy Spirit. Tongues of fire fall upon the neophytes, giving them new boldness: to prophesy, to speak in tongues, and to speak confidently about Christ to non-believers.
Christ’s ascension does not mean his absence, but his more intimate presence to us. The confirmation of this is the Holy Spirit, which we are reminded in the festal gradual hymn from tone 4, does the following: “The Holy Spirit causes streams of grace, which are flowing for us all, and the water all creation that we all might live in him.” The power of the Holy Spirit, given through Paul’s baptism is likewise given to us in our own baptism. The power to be united with Christ Jesus also means the power to perform his mighty deeds. But remember the most powerful deed is not his miracles. For the omnipotent God, these are simply parlour tricks. Instead, we can participate in his mercy. As we inch out of our COVID catacombs, let us be merciful and patient with other, manifesting the presence of the Holy Spirit and unity with Christ.