The Apostles speak boldly about the Risen Lord in the face of opposition, and their example inspires us to call upon the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom as we journey through this life…with our eyes focused on Heaven.
The unity of the disciples through gratitude, love and peace offers us an example of how we draw together today with the people God puts in our lives. This is is not easy work…but it is worth it!
The Risen Lord appears to some of the disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. Their encounter reveals that God gives us what we need so that we can face the challenges in life.
After the resurrection Jesus appears to the Apostles and explains how he has fulfilled the prophecies within the Sacred Scriptures; that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, die and be raised on the third day. He concludes this passage with a powerful exhortation, “You are witnesses of these things.” Our faith was built on the witness of others, and our lived example of faith helps others encounter the Risen Lord today.
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the Risen Lord. Empowered by Jesus, she is sent to proclaim the resurrection to the Apostles. Her example reminds us that God continues to bless us in our weaknesses and strengthen us for service in the world today.
Just as Jesus sends the Twelve Apostles with his authority, so also the Lord sends us – empowered with his grace – to continue his mission in the world. We do it together; we trust in God; we are attentive to each opportunity; we let Christ work through us!
All living things grow slowly and steadily, following a process as they mature. The same is true for our faith. On this feast of Saints Titus and Timothy may we patiently and faithfully keep our eyes fixed on the Lord as we grow in faith, hope and love.
Jesus calls the Twelve disciples by name and empowers them for ministry. The Lord does the same for us! May we say yes and allow God’s grace to work through our imperfections so that we may serve others with the love of Christ.
The Lord offers an example of ministry and then empowers the Apostles to do the same. Our Church today is not only founded on their work, but continues through our efforts to proclaim the Gospel in our lives today.
The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ. This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well.