“Do not forget all the gifts of God.” (Psalm 103:2)
Since Easter Monday, the Mass readings have been following the story of the early church as it unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. We have gone from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment. We have seen Peter’s role in his mission to the Gentiles. We have followed the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem and watched it extend to the known world. It is a dramatic, inspiring story—and it doesn’t end with Paul!
Many, many chapters have been written over the past twenty centuries. Millions of conversions have taken place, each one its own compelling story of grace and mercy. Countless saints have risen up to give living testimony to the power of the gospel. Thousands upon thousands of martyrs have sanctified the earth, even as they point us toward heaven.
This great extended Book of Acts includes chapters on the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Dominicans, Redemptorists, Oblates of Mary, Basilians, Pallottines, list goes on …. . It includes the tales of brave missionaries and the stories of church councils. It includes powerful families like the Borgias and a humble peasant named Angelo, who became Pope John XXIII, Mother Theresa, and Pope Bl. John Paul II. So many chapters! So many amazing stories of God’s love, power, and provision!
And the book is still being written today, with each of our lives making up another chapter! None of us should think that we are unimportant in the kingdom. None of us should think that our lives don’t matter or that we’ll never make an impact. We have all been called by our heavenly Father to build his kingdom, and he is counting on us to take up this calling with faith, trust, and determination. Who knows how our own chapter will read? Who knows what plans the Lord still has in store for us?
One thing is certain: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and by the power of this Spirit, each of us can accomplish great things in the name of Christ. There are many more chapters left to be written—and we are the main characters!
“Lord, thank you for calling me into your church! By your Spirit, empower me to be your witness in this world.”
(Courtesy Word Among Us)
