The first reading and the Gospel are at opposite ends of how people respond to the call of faith. In the first reading Peter’s prayer in the name of Jesus restores a dead woman, Tabitha, to life; in the Gospel the invitation of the Lord to eat his body and drink his blood causes many to walk away. It begs the question: How’s your faith? Is it vibrant or feeble, building others up or filled with doubts?
In the first reading today we hear of the conversion of St. Paul, who begins the passage “breathing murderous threats” against the Church and ends with his preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. May Paul’s change of heart inspire us to draw ever nearer to the Lord!
Philip took time to instruct the Ethiopian eunuch about the book of the prophet Isaiah, which led to his conversion and baptism. Every day we have opportunities to share our faith and help guide others so that they can grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
My godson, Luke, traveled to the Cathedral from Spooner, WI today. He made his First Communion on Sunday, and today I got to give him his Second Communion…he even got to wear his suit again! The Gospel of John is appropriate today as the Lord states, “I am the bread of life.”
On the road to Emmaus two disciples encountered Jesus as he explained the Scriptures and broke the bread. These two elements – Scripture and Sacrament – are the core of every Mass. As Christians have been nourished by the Eucharist from that very first Easter, may we continue to grow in grace every time we encounter the Lord in the breaking of the bread.
The Lord feeds the 5000 and sustains them body and soul. This strength will empower the disciples to face their difficulties with joy, reminding us that every time we receive the Eucharist we are fed by the Lord.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly proclaim the Good News in the face of opposition…inviting us to call upon the Spirit to strengthen us in our moments of difficulty.
“God so loved the world…” These words remind us that Christ comes to us in love, transforming our lives and empowering us to go forth with God’s grace to share this love with those around us.
In the Gospel of Mark the Lord says, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” As we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark today, may our lives offer a living witness to the Good News as we share our faith with those around us.
The power of the resurrection transformed the early Church, showing us today that the Risen Lord continues to change our hearts and lives with the grace of His love. May we respond with an eager and lively faith!
Three Great Things 