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On the Feast of Saint Matthias. Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot as one of the Apostles. Father Ed Broom says we also are called to be apostles! At the time of His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus told the Apostles: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20) Jesus spoke these words to the Apostles, and to us! This has been a recurring theme of Pope Francis! Jesus calls each of us to share the Joy of the Gospel by bringing others to Jesus through the life-giving Sacraments of His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church! Father Ed says if we don’t feel qualified or ready, don’t worry. The Apostles were not qualified or ready either. Look at them! Peter denied Jesus three times. They all fled the cross, except John. Then they hid in the upper room for fear of being next to be crucified. Even after seeing the Risen Lord, they are nowhere near ready. What is the secret? Jesus told them before He ascended into Heaven. Go to the upper room where you will pray and fast for 9 days and 9 nights with Mary. They obeyed, and through the intercession of Mary, they received the Gift of gifts, the Holy Spirit! The first Pentecost! Filled with the Holy Spirit, they became instruments of Truth and Grace to the world! We also are to pray and fast with Mary, begging for a constant renewal of Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and our lives! This is how we become instruments of Truth and Grace in a world bereft of both!
