Acts 6:1-7; Ps. 6. 1-7・1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12 Today we continue to reflect on how the Apostles and the first disciples of Jesus worked together in proclaiming the Word of God. The proclamation of the Word of God that was spread wide was brought about by their faith in the Risen Christ intensified by their enthusiasm and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their belief in Jesus who is fully identified to the Father freed them from worry and doubt, a freedom that eventually led them to fully identify themselves also to Jesus. First Reading: The increase of the disciple (believers of the Risen Christ) was a positive sign of the enthusiasm of the Apostles to proclaim the Word of God. Increase of leaders is another vivid result of their endeavors. The 12 Apostles were indeed aware of the necessity of sharing responsibilities to others to better spread the Word of God. We too, at present, are responsive to team work, to delegation of duties (sharing church responsibilities), and to having good communication as well, so that we can all listen to the Word of God, pray together, and work together for each one`s spiritual nourishment. Gospel Reading: Jesus, the Way, the Truth & the Life The words of Jesus were basically the source of courage and strength for the Apostles. Indeed, their openness to Jesus has helped them to know more, understand more,, and believe more who Jesus was for them. In present time, we similarly understand that openness is a sign of a deeper relationship, so it (openness) is the key to better understand each other - for a better and deeper relationship. Time, trust, relatedness, (sense of being one with) and interest/zeal/enthusiasm, and respect, are just some other keys. Let us then pray that we too, while we continue to receive the Sacraments in the Church, while we participate to church activities, will be able to identify ourselves deeper to Jesus who is fully identified to God the Father through His (Jesus) passion, death and Resurrection. May through our words and deeds, we will be able to continue to proclaim Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Second Reading:
With courage we say, we are God`s people, we are His chosen people. Our identity of being God`s people should not separate us from the encouraging words of Jesus. Our belief and trust in the Risen Christ is the sign of the bond of love between God and His people. He is our God, we are His people.
Let us work together with openness and respect, and help create a community who truly believes and trusts in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
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