The gospel passage presents a scene where some of Jesus' disciples react negatively to his teaching. That a man from Nazareth should claim that he is the life-giving revelation send from God is "hard" to take. Their reaction serves as an offence or stumbling block to them understanding Jesus. Eventually, however, his words will make sense to them and will actually become life-giving through the power of the Holy Spirit who the disciples will receive after Jesus has ascended to his Father. It is the Holy Spirit who will make Jesus' words meaningful and life-giving for believers.

The power of the Holy Spirit becomes evident in the mission of Peter. The first reading describes two accounts of healing by Peter. They show how miraculous signs helped spread Christianity in Judea and along the Mediterranean coast. As a result of the healings, many believed and were converted to the Lord. The readings today highlight the role and mission of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian and in the Church. Without a knowledge and intimate relationship with the Spirit, it would be "hard" for us to understand the message of Jesus since it is the Spirit who gives power to the words of Jesus. Without the power of the Spirit, we would be unable to carry out the mission God has entrusted to us since "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer..."