We read in Acts of the Apostles, 2, 44-45, the early Christian community in Jerusalem demonstrated extreme unity and generosity by holding all possessions in common. Believers, acting as “one heart and soul” sold lands and houses, bringing the proceeds to the apostles to distribute based on individual needs, ensure no one was needy.
The above report of in the Acts tells us, first, how the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus worked powerfully in the early Church. The community Spirit was the witness to the word, the Church grew far and wide, mission of Salvation was proclaimed to the Nations and the early Christian community became powerful witness of the Resurrection of Christ.
To do the same mission we are invited today in our parish to work with zeal to spread and strengthen Small Christian Communities. Thus, we are able to fulfil our Baptismal Promises of defeating power of sin, shun differences that divide us, bringing closer to Jesus by reconciliation and do mission of salvation to the humanity.
This is a personal calling of Jesus to each our parishioners. Therefore, we say ‘Yes’ to Jesus and work with him. We are friends of Jesus. John, 15, 15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters’ business.”
As friends of Jesus, to express our love for him let us do everything possible. Let us come together to reflect upon his Holy Gospel in our communities and with power of the Gospel, its reflections and prayers be strengthened to live the life of unity, charity and service.
“Go out to the whole world and proclaim to the nations whatever I taught you” Mt. 28, 18-20. Strengthened by the Samudai, let us share, reflect and live the Gospel and let Jesus work miracles in our day today life.
Thus, our life of faith, bring healing to the sick, the wounded hearts be reconciled, may we understand one another better. John 15, 3 “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.”
My dear friends, ‘let us not be ashamed of the Gospel’, Romans 1, 16. Because we belong to Christ and Christ belong to all of us. He is the Shepherd and we are his flock, He is the vine and we are the branches, we participate in One Body and One Blood of Jesus, the Eucharist. Let us encourage one another and come together in the name of Jesus as a Small Christian Community.
Fr. Gabriel Lobo, Redemptorist,
Mob 9922802149