You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me.
Why Acts is read during the Liturgy
The Church reads Acts because the Eucharist belongs to the same apostolic life. The Liturgy is the worship of the Church founded by Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and sent into the world. Hearing Acts before the Gospel places the people inside the continuing story of the apostolic Church.
The Praxis also shows that the Church’s life flows from the Resurrection and Pentecost. The apostles preach Christ, baptize, heal, endure persecution, appoint servants, and gather the faithful around prayer and the breaking of bread. The Liturgy is joined to that life: worship, doctrine, mission, suffering, and holiness belong together.
What to notice about the Praxis reading
The Praxis often connects the Gospel to the visible life of the Church. It shows what happens when the words and works of Christ are carried by the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit. The reading may speak about St. Peter, St. Paul, the deacons, the first believers, councils, miracles, imprisonment, martyrdom, or missionary journeys.
Hearing Acts in the Liturgy reminds the faithful that Communion is not escape from the Church’s mission. The same Christ received at the altar sends His people into repentance, witness, mercy, and endurance.