Friday 9th May – Friday of the 3rd week of Easter

Reflection: Acts 9: 1-20

CHOSEN INSTRUMENT

Romans 8: 29 tells us something unique about our pre-election in Christ, when it says: “those whom God has already chosen, He has set apart to become like his son…” and Ephesians1: 4 tells us that before the very foundation of the world, God has chosen us to be his in Christ Jesus. This (our calling) is both a mystery and a source of inexplicable joy.

God, who willed all men for himself, deigns to call all men by ways most suitable to him. And often, he chooses to call the most unlikely candidate. Such is the case of Saul today in the first reading, who God called from being a persecutor of the Church to being a preacher of the faith. Such is the great grace and mercy of our God who makes a great sinner into a great saint that he might make know the depth of his love and show forth our pre-ordination with him through the grace of our lord Jesus Christ.

The scriptures and indeed human history bear witness to the saving power of God. We see Mary Magdalene, Saul, Mathew, Zacchaeus, St Augustine and so much more; all heroes of the faith, but previously great sinners. It doesn’t matter how far you think you are from Christ now, just keep this to heart my friend “you are a chosen instrument”. All you need to do is to make yourself available for the Master’s use. And if you think you are too weak and unworthy, don’t worry, He will nourish you with His Body and Blood until life for you is turned into the life of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, make us worthy instruments today, raise up men and women for your service and may we who are nourished by your body and blood be like you here on earth; always about your work. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 211 – How important is the Eucharist for the Church?

The celebration of the Eucharist is the heart of the Christian communion. In it the Church becomes Church.

We are not Church because we get along well, or because we happen to end up in the same parish community, but rather because in the Eucharist we receive the Body of Christ and are increasingly being transformed into the Body of Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “But God’s mercy is so abundant and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in disobedience, he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s Grace that you have being saved” Ephesians 2: 4-5

Readings for today: Acts 9: 1-20; Psalm 117: 1-2; John 6: 52-59