By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“The Community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need” (Acts 4:32-35).
Imagine a community where caring for one another was such a priority! In the midst of persecution and fear, the first community of believers had to be very bold and courageous. Was it easier for them because they had witnessed the resurrection of Jesus? Do we need to experience miracles in our own lives to be willing to follow Jesus in a materialistic world?
The 10th commandment concerns itself with property. It explains what is right and wrong with respect to the property of others. “Thou shall not desire your neighbor’s goods.” It is important to remember that, for every vice, there is a virtue. Greed is one vice to avoid, and generosity is a virtuous practice to achieve. The early Christians and many saintly people over a 2000-year history have shared this concept of charity and love, so why is the culture we live in so me-oriented?
My husband, Dick, and I drove to Montgomery on Divine Mercy Sunday to attend services at St. Peter Parish. The Divine Mercy chaplet was sung, and a healing Mass was celebrated. The prayers offered and the laying on of hands to those seeking healing in a full church were a beautiful witness. Stepping out in faith to humbly ask for physical or spiritual healing takes a lot of courage and trust in the Holy Spirit of God.
Father Sudhakar Bhastati stood for over two hours to comfort and pray with people. Those who came for prayer, as well as the faithful offering support, were all of one heart and mind; and all glory was given to God, each blessing distributed according to need. I did not want to leave the church because the love and hope I felt was powerful.
We receive the gift of grace and healing at every Mass when we celebrate the Paschal Mystery in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. But there was something very intentional and special about the prayers offered after this Healing Mass at St. Peter. I watched people leave the church with a renewed spirit. There are wounded people in every family, and many relationships are suffering with the division created in our sinful culture. Our physical ailments may be very visible, but the hidden spiritual scars often create the sickness from within. The Resurrected Jesus left us with the power of the Holy Spirit so we could heal our brokenness, and the grace in the sacraments renews our souls with His love. I cannot imagine a more incredible gift!
“With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.”
I pray daily for our country and our Church. A godless culture seems to have emerged with chaos and confusion all over the world! I am certain Jesus is counting on a bold and courageous community of believers to trust in His mercy. Can we live as the early Christians did, without fear of persecution, praying for one another with great intention, and obedience to the word of God? I certainly appreciated the witness of the people at St. Peter Parish on that very special Divine Mercy Sunday. I pray other churches will bring this healing opportunity into the lives of their parish families! All glory to God! Amen!