By Zoe Cannon, Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
I love studying about the first Christians in Antioch. These faithful people by the power of the Holy Spirit helped the Church grow. They proclaimed the news to non-believers, and many were baptized. It was challenging for the new Christians. In our current culture the responsibility is not an easy task either. The courage of the first believers is our story to appreciate!
In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke writes about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The apostles began performing miracles and healings were witnessed. The life of this community dramatically changed, they sold their properties and shared their belongings with one another. They spent time learning from the apostles, sharing fellowship and enjoying meals together. They prayed for boldness in fear of persecutions.
The number of disciples kept growing, and so did disagreements among the Greek speaking Jews and the native Jews. Helpers were chosen to handle the concerns, and the word of God continued to spread. Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly, proclaiming that he could see the heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.
The members of the Council became furious with Stephen’s message. A man named Saul encouraged his stoning and the people began to scatter in fear. Saul continued trying to destroy the church in Jerusalem by arresting the followers of the Way of the Lord. On his way to Damascus an encounter with the Lord brought about his conversion and “Paul” began proclaiming that Jesus was the Son of God.
The enthusiasm of the first believers did not prevent them from understanding their need for readiness and suffering. The life of the Church and our personal relationship with God must also be faithful and strong. I hope you pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to give you strength.
During the month of May we honor Mary, the Mother of God. This May 13 was the 108th anniversary of Fatima and Our Lady of the Rosary. Hail Mary, full of grace may be translated to Hail Mary full of the Holy Spirit. Her very holy relationship with God is attainable for us because she provided the source of our salvation.
In all generations people have benefited from unified and faithful relationships. When we share deep common purpose together as a whole, instead of divided separate entities, wonderful things can be achieved. The divine in each person is realized by our willingness to forgive and show compassion to others. Spiritual unity heals relationships and creates peace in all things.
On June 8, we will celebrate Pentecost and the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Striving for holiness is our Christian duty because we are One Body in Christ. The obedience and trust of Mary brought Jesus into our world. Stephen saw God in heaven because he never failed to believe, and Paul’s conversion brought many people to know Jesus. We all have a mission to help build up a united Church. Pray, have faith and rest assured that all is well! Come Holy Spirit! Amen!