Going with another person to another city to preach the Gospel may not be our vocation. However, we are doing God’s work when we wish peace to those we meet. No matter the circumstance or place, a Christian is to act as an instrument of peace. The Eucharist empowers us to bring Christ’s peace to others. As we Christ in our lives, may we emanate the peace that we have received.
Ministry has a Divine Head (God) and clay feet (humans). We have to be representative of justice and fidelity to God. When Elijah casts his cloak on his apprentice Elisha there is a sense of ownership and responsibility to the call of ministry. ~ Fr. Matt
As Jesus calls people, we hear legitimate reasons for putting off the call to follow. Jesus replies that another can bury the dead or bid farewell. What keeps you from following Christ? Are there things that you need to release or allow to die so that you may freely follow Christ? If anger or past hurts are holding you back, it may be time to say goodbye to them and move on. Today Jesus may be urging you not to look back.
At every Eucharistic celebration we carry Jesus into our life. We know there will be change, adjustments, pitfalls, and detours. We must be open to continual growth conversion, and transformation. With united hands and hearts we proceed with faith and hope. ~ Fr. Matt
Jesus looked lovingly on the crowd and provided for them. Through the Eucharist, God continues to offer food for the journey. At Mass, we offer our lives up and Christ nourishes us at the table of the Lord. We are then dismissed to “go and announce the Gospel,” making our lives nourishment for others. At times we may feel we are living in a deserted place and barren. But we can always come to the Eucharist to eat and be satisfied. We trust that God’s love is bountiful, and we give that love to others.
Does the Holy Trinity have any effect on us? Jesus revealed the trinity as immanent life between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the effect that relationship has on us? This mystery is more difficult than solving Rubik’s Cube. God is our salvation and our relationship with The Divine is essential. Who sees Jesus sees the father. The spirit is the continued revealer of Jesus. Be surprised by the love God has for us. ~ Fr. Matt
We live in an age in which we often do not need to wait to know something. Advancements in science allow parents to know the gender of a child months prior to birth and for genes to be mapped to determine possible future ailments. Jesus tells the disciples something that is contrary to our time. He tells them to wait. They are to await guidance from the Spirit of truth. When do you pray to the Spirit for guidance? How hard is it to await the reply? As we await the Spirit, we are putting our trust in God.
The Spirit of God inspires us and enlightens us, challenges and chastens us, empowers and humbles us. We as the Holy Spirit to illuminate us so that we in turn serve as the conduit to bring God’s light to others. ~ Fr. Matt
God is continuing to teach us many lessons. The Advocate is here to remind us and teach us “everything.” Are we willing to listen and learn? No matter our age or education, the Spirit can lead us to deepen our life in the Lord. This Pentecost, we take to heart the message that love and the Commandments are intertwined. The Advocate is here to help us understand that.
Even in the early church we hear of unrest and disagreements. Some downplayed the humanity of Christ. Others gave up on love of community. Moral behavior started to erode. Some moved on to a higher personal revelation aka Gnosticism. Let us try our best to be in union with the Lord and one another. ~ Fr. Matt