By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke writes about the beginning of the Church instituted by Christ. The first baptized Christians in Antioch focused on the teachings of the Apostles powered by the Holy Spirit, the Eucharist, and the importance of fellowship with prayer.
The readings for Mass during the 50 days of the Easter Season are shared from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John. The foundational doctrines of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist are connected with gifts that enable us to grow in the life of grace. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35).
The followers of Jesus sometimes struggled with understanding the spiritual nature of his mission. Their concerns and doubts were comforted by their direct experience of the risen Jesus. The promise fulfilled at Pentecost provided unwavering strength to bring divine, moral truth to a world filled with contempt for Christianity. We need a Pentecost moment in the Church, and we should be intentional in asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten us! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We live in a challenging society, but the Bible reminds us that this is nothing new. I think about the early Christians and their leaders, and wish scripture revealed more about their personal thoughts. I am curious about St. Peter’s feelings when he celebrated his first Mass. I am sure St. Paul realized God had forgiven his involvement in persecuting Christians, but did he genuinely forgive himself? Did John the beloved ever feel weary with the responsibility of caring for Mary?
I also wonder if I had been living in Antioch and witnessing the sacrifices of the early Christians, would I have stepped up to be baptized? The accounts in salvation history are filled with people who remained strong in sacrifice, and obedient in seeking the spirit of truth with divine help.
Thomas à Kempis wrote: “In this mortal life, our peace consists in the humble bearing of suffering and contradictions, not being free of them, for we cannot live in this world without adversity. Those who can best suffer will enjoy the most peace, for such persons are masters of themselves, lords of the world, with Christ for their friend, and heaven as their reward.”
We did not experience the risen Jesus firsthand, but we have the “deposit of faith” that reveals the spirit of truth to our broken world. In seven years, 2033, we will celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus. In our lifetime, God willing, we may enjoy this blessing! Read the 28 chapters of the Acts of the Apostles and the 21 chapters in the Gospel of John to prepare for this time in history. The Church offers everything we need, especially in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist! Thank your priest for his commitment to Jesus and the sacrifices made to give us grace for the journey! May Jesus be your friend! Amen!