Well, the Church has celebrated its birth through the descending of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. One chapter of the early Church has ended and another begins. The Holy Spirit has filled the Apostles with great courage and a transformation in their very being has taken place. They are now ready to face the world and bring it the Good News as lived and taught by Jesus.
At that time there were different challenges they faced. Persecution, division amongst the new members, low morality, the Roman occupation. We are familiar with all of that, especially if you have been watching The Chosen. That was then and this is now. What are some of the challenges we face as Disciples of Jesus and bearers of His Good News?
Today there are still many places where people suffer persecution. Many have died because of their beliefs. There is certainly a decline in faith life with fewer people choosing to belong to a faith tradition. A decline in moral issues, divisions within the Church itself, the age of digital distractions, and the lack of a deep spiritual life are all very detrimental. We have so many outside distractions.
Fear not! All is not lost. YOU are the hope that the world needs today. Great news, isn’t it? Don’t be overwhelmed for Psalm 145:13b reminds us that “the Lord is trustworthy in all his words and loving in all his works…” God holds us forever. This psalm reminds us that when things get difficult, we can always count on God’s compassion, tenderness, goodness and faithfulness. Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies the called. And you, my dear friend, have been called during this age at this time.
I pray that the gifts the Spirit has bestowed on you this past Pentecost be shared with those you know and love as well as those you come to know. You will be known by the fruits of the Spirit that your life witnesses to others. May your week be filled with that energizing experience the Apostles had that first Pentecost.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
