+ We have two very encouraging and comforting readings today at
Mass. The first reading talks
about the “choosing” if you will, of Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew who has
arrived in Ephesus, with an energetic and persuasive way of preaching about the
new Way, the Way of Christ, in fact, the Way of Christ who IS the Way! And yet,
he had only received the baptism of John, (for the forgiveness of personal
sins) – we can imagine the fervor and fire he will possess when he is baptized
in the Holy Spirit – the experience of Pentecost.
Recall now, we are Day Two
into the “Novena Period” of virtually waiting and praying with the Apostles and
Mary in the Upper Room for the arrival of the GIFT of the Father – the Holy
Spirit – with his full array of GIFTS! for the operational integrity and
manifestation of the Church, the new Mystical Body of Christ, to the world –
steeped in sin and self-centeredness! We too can be like a new and fully
energized Apollos and all the Apostles and disciples who were charged and sent
on that day!
The gospel passage is sweet
and full of hope and joy! For those fully engaged in the life of the Mystical
Body – who are in tune with the way the Spirit works and moves – asking
anything in Jesus’ NAME will get results and many times quickly – because our
requests will not be selfish in any way – but totally other oriented. Yes, we
can still pray for ourselves so that we can be all that we can be FOR OTHERS –
but OTHERS ALWAYS COME FIRST! and if we don’t have many “others” in our life –
well, if you are a member of said Mystical Body, then, yes you do – you are
hundreds and millions, in fact, billions of brothers and sister who could use
the help of your prayers to get them through the day – to bedtime – for this is
all any of us really have to do!
The reason that Jesus wants us
to be fully engaged in his apostolic life is that is produces and enormous
measure of joy! Deep, abiding and persistent joy – that will last forever!
Remember all the good we do,
the love we show, the times we went out of our way for the good of others –
beginning with our family and friends – goes with us into eternity. It would
not be an unlikely scenario – when we all get our bodies back – to talk about
“the good old days – in the vale of tears” when such and such a thing happened,
a look, the good that occurred because of it! It will be a grand and glorious
time – as we abide deeply in the heart of Christ, who abides always in the
heart of his Father and ours!
Alleluia! I shall ask the
Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever! Amen!
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