a reflection by: MARK GATES.
As I sit here putting the final touches on my Charismatic prayer Group meeting for tomorrow, I’m puzzled by Sunday’s readings having nothing to do with Mary, mother of God.!! While I didn’t understand the relevance when I was a boy, I “DO’ understand the importance Now. Mary means so much to our faith as Catholics but also to the whole world in general. She offered herself to give birth to the Savior of the World… Salvation. Does anyone even have May Crownings anymore?? I Dunno.!
My loving attention for Mary, ‘does’ fit into my common theme for today’s readings, PURPOSE.!
In our first reading from ACTS 6:1-7, we are clued in to early grumblings among the early followers. Certain groups of people were feeling neglected in this “All for one & One for all” community of believers. The cut to the heart was the accusation of ignoring widows and orphans… an absolute no-no! If the Apostles get hung-up in the admin part of the new ministry, they will in turn be ignoring the Gospels, the Word of God. That’s an even bigger no-no.
The Apostles call together the disciples and charge them to pick for themselves Seven good men to administer to the more physical needs of the community. Their first choice was Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit and Faith. After the seven were chosen, then comes ‘my’ favorite part… The Laying on of Hands. “They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.”
Ever since CoVid in 2020-21 people are afraid to reach out to others, physically. I miss the Holy Hugs at prayer group, & I miss the Laying on of Hands. Now the Holy Spirit can do whatever she wants, whenever she wants. But for us humans, to feel the Spirit moving within us and between each of us is special, magnificent beyond description!
The First Letter of Saint Peter 2:4-9, speaks directly to us, our faith-sight, as we are today. How many times do you use comparisons to color your speech or writing? Pretty as a flower, or Solid as a rock, or again, as Cold as ice, we all do it. Well, Peter recalls his life experiences with Jesus, specifically remembering that Jesus compared Himself to “The stone that the builders rejected. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall.“…PURPOSE. So, Jesus is THE stone. Jesus is “Precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let ‘yourselves’ be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” This certainly reminds me of us, ourselves being ‘Temples of the Holy Spirit’. We are custom built for this purpose! “You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” All we have to do is take care of this temple… PURPOSE.
JESUS’ Compassionate Purpose is gently on display in our Gospel John 14:1-12 today. The very first words Jesus speaks today, “”Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” This is very comforting. This also a sweet reminder of our Blessed Trinity. Jesus is God and God the Father & Spirit live through Jesus! It is Love that binds all of us to them & with them. “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” How beautiful is that! We are confident in our everlasting eternity, PURPOSE, with Christ, as God.!! JOY- JOY- JOY- MARK “G”
