Friday.blog
The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 21, 2004
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
St. Christopher Magallanes, priest, and martyr companions
Scripture from Friday’s Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23
A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:
In the Acts of the Apostles, we’ve been hearing the exciting adventure story of the growth of the Church. The bravery of Paul and Barnabas is quite remarkable. When they enter a town, they are never sure how they will be treated. Public acceptance is fickle. One crowd will accept them with joy; later, that same crowd will beat or stone them. They risk their lives constantly for the sake of the Good News. The early bishops, priests and deacons are truly heroes.
But so, too, are the unsung men and women who evangelize from the workplace, like Lydia. She dealt in expensive purple goods, yet took time from her business to house Paul, and to give considerable financial help to the early church. Then, there are Priscilla and Aquila, tent makers like St. Paul. They were an active part of the ministry, as was Lydia and many others.
Today, we need to hold up these laypersons as models for today’s Church. With far fewer priests than we have been accustomed to, many like them will hold the Church together, providing continuity, instruction, service, and financial help.
Will someone someday refer to me as a modern-day Lydia or an Aquila?
O Holy Spirit,
keep the Church vigorous and alive,
a sign and a witness
to Divine Presence and Power in our world!
Amen
- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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