Scripture Readings: Acts 2:43-47 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19:3-9
Our first reading today comes from the Acts of the Apostles. The story of the early Christian Church, but it is also a story meant to prefigure the Church of the future, including us: the apostles, the people of God, the Church, the Body of Christ for today.
The Acts of the Apostles reminds us of our need today to care for others, especially those in need.
The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that that like Jesus, other people are our family. We are in this together, not alone, not apart from.
The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that our acts, our actions show and proclaim our care and our concern for others just as Jesus did and as other Christians have done throughout the ages and we are asked to do each day.
The Acts of the Apostles remind us if we do our part, if we work together, people are cared for, the gospel is preached, the gospel is made real and the good news of Jesus Christ is given life and blood.
This weekend much is going on in our church as we:
*Celebrate two new saints: Pope John the 23rd and Pope John Paul the 2nd
*Celebrate the profession of faith and confirmation of Rickie
*Celebrate the baptisms of two children
*Celebrate and support our soon to be confirmed – confirmation candidates
*And we are being asked to reflect upon our personal and family financial support for the Annual Bishop’s Appeal that cares for people of our Diocese in ways we cannot do alone – for the year to come.
I think the words of our new Bishop Edward Scharfenberger sum it up when he says:
I asked that we all be kind to one another; that we work to make our church as Pope Francis described: a place of God’s mercy and love, where everyone can feel themselves welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the gospel.
When we support and care for one another; when our lives give good example to our children, our friends, our relatives, our coworkers, to strangers – we say in our acts (our actions) we recognize that Christ is among us.
Pope Francis also reminds us that words alone are not sufficient. That no matter our situation in life we are bound by moral obligation to care for one another.
The example of Pope Francis challenges us live out those obligations through the work of our lives. To alleviate poverty; to promote peace; to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, care for the sick; and open new doors of opportunity and visions and possibility for everyone. (These things happen in our Parish, in our Diocese every day…may we always do our part to support these efforts through our personal presence and personal financial support).
May our actions today and every day be the Acts of the Apostles for 2014 and beyond.