Tenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit. Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged.

The Holy Spirit is a spirit of true freedom. When we give ourselves over to God through the Holy Spirit, the chains of our sins are broken and we become our best selves. We are transformed into Christ-like members of the One, Body of Jesus. Coming with this transfiguration is the ministry to charity and mercy. For just as Jesus showed us these things, so must we spread them to others. We cannot live up to the name of Christians, if we do not go forth and act like Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit for our Heavenly Father.

Have we accepted the Holy Spirit into our lives? Are we allowing Him to transform and transfigure us into more faithful, loving, and merciful reflections of Jesus Christ? How can we do a better job of living out our ministry to others?

O Lord, free us through your Holy Spirit so we can become you for all people.

Amen.

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

We can’t do everything. This is something we need to remember when we are trying to do God’s Will. Although it is good to do as much as we can, we also have to realize the limitations we have on our time, talents, and treasures. Some of us may be best suited to preaching, evangelizing, and proclaiming the Good News through words. Others may be better at serving others through acts of charity and mercy, ministering to the sick, the needy, and the imprisoned, and expressing the Gospels through good deeds. No matter which of these callings is for us, we need to be devoted to the tasks before us and live lives worthy of our vocation.

Are we being called to minister to others through word, deed, or both? How do our lives proclaim the Good News? How do we manifest the Word of God through our actions?

O Lord, lead us to the ministries that will fulfill your Divine Plan.

Amen.