By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).
The Gentiles in Ephesus were relegated to a separate courtyard outside the temple and could not enter the holy space to pray with the Jews. The apostle Paul tells the Ephesians to embrace their identity as members of God’s household. He tells them that reconciliation through Christ is essential, because there is no unity apart from Jesus Christ. Paul instructs the believers to realize they bring the presence of God to earth where he is to be glorified.
An intimate relationship with Christ glorifies God! His grace and the blessing of redemption give us strength to become saints. Do you ever reflect on your spiritual relationship with the members of your parish, or concern yourself with the saving of souls?
People participate in fundraising efforts, social events or the day-to-day functions of parish life, but how much energy do you spend sharing conversation about Jesus with the people you worship with? I was blessed to be a member of the same parish where I received all my sacraments until we moved in 2014. Sharing the faith with generations of parish family over five decades was invaluable. These are the people you celebrate new life with, and those who comfort you when the life of a loved one ends, or the friends you turn to when prayer is needed.
It’s hard to believe we have been at our new parish for 10 years. We moved to be near our children and grandchildren. Being able to share holy Mass with them is a blessing. The best thing about this phase of my life is teaching grandchildren to know and love Jesus!
You can feel lost in a parish of 1,700 families when you do not know anyone, but when you embrace your identity as a member of God’s household, I believe God brings the people you need at just the right time. The priests in our parishes come and go, the people we share our pews with may also be transitory, but the foundation of the church remains unchanged if our relationship with Jesus is solid. Christ, the cornerstone!
The foundation of our society is fractured, and division distances people for fear of offending someone. How many times have you missed an opportunity to change hearts or begin a new friendship? Jesus said, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-52).
Jesus knew his teachings would be challenging, but he never abandons the fellow citizens in God’s household. Live as if your witness is the only gospel people will read. We are not strangers or sojourners, we are one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Keep soldiering, soldiers, the battle is real! Amen!