In a manuscript from the 10th century, above the apostles sit in a semi-circle. Above Peter in the middle we see the rays of the Holy Spirit pouring out to the disciples. The peoples below – Partans, Medes, Elamites etc.: see Acts 2:5-11) – form a circle together with the apostles. They belong too; the Spirit is for everyone. In the centre of the circle is a vessel with two handles. In the middle of the circle is a vessel with two handles. Above the vessel one can read: communis vita, common life, a reference to what is written in the Acts of the Apostles: All those who had accepted the faith remained together and had everything in common (2:44). Those golden balls in that one vessel, the communion, is an effect of the Spirit.
Pastor: Peter van Dael SJ
