Jesus chose twelve apostles, in whom He invested the last three years of His life. We, as followers of Jesus, are also called to invest our lives in not just a nuclear family or a circle of friends, but in a small Christian community. By virtue of our Baptisms, we are called toA live as brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be brothers and sisters not only in name but in practice. We are called to devote ourselves "to the apostles' instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). "The community of believers were of one heart and one mind" (Acts 4:32), and we are called to be the same. "Behold, how good it is, and how pleasant, where brethren dwell at one!" (Ps 133:1) We are not only called to go to church together, work together, and pray together. Our unity is not to be superficial. We are called to Trinitarian unity – to be one as Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 17:21).
The Holy Spirit makes us one (Eph 4:3). Repent! Stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7). In obedience to the Lord, accept twelve disciples with whom the Lord is calling you to share your life. Be one. Be holy. Be Christian.
| PRAYER: | Prayer: Father, free me to live my baptismal brotherhood or sisterhood to the fullest. |
| PROMISE: | Promise: "Continue, therefore, to live in Christ Jesus the Lord, in the spirit in which you received Him." –Col 2:6 |
| PRAISE: | Praise: "We who call upon the name of Mary...may receive strength and comfort in all our needs" (Marian Sacramentary, Mass of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College