48th day of Easter

For those who may be counting, today is the 48th day of Easter. More to the point the Easter season is drawing to a close. Today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles ( chapter 25 vv 13 -21), also draws this book to a conclusion. The splendidly named King Agrippa and his Queen Bernice arrive in Caesarea to be informed about St Paul’s difficulties with the Jews. His case is sent to Rome. In Rome Paul will, eventually suffer martyrdom.

However, one could say that the end of the Acts of the Apostles also marked a beginning. When Paul arrives in Rome there is already a small Christian community there. Moreover, after the death of Paul, the faith not only grows in numbers but also continues to spread throughout the Roman Empire. The end of Easter comes with the celebration of Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit. That sending marked the beginning of the Church and Her mission. So an end and a beginning!