Our Journey Of Faith
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” –Acts 2:42
Fellowship in the Body of Christ is the most important practice in our culture today! Since the first Pentecost, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have been given knowledge about the biblical teachings of fellowship. Genuine Christian fellowship is a relationship rather than an activity, wherein we become copartners with God and our brethren. The mission is to glorify God by completing His work.
"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." –Romans 15:5-6
God made covenants for man’s journey of faith long before the Apostles were chosen. These Old Testament covenants began during the creation of the universe. The messages in these unbreakable promises make clear what is important in the Kingdom of God. Adam and Eve – the sanctity of marriage; Noah – the gift of family; Abraham and Sarah – the importance of respecting life; Moses – God’s Revealed Law in the Ten Commandments; and King David – generations of people hoping and trusting in God, as they awaited the New Covenant in our Savior Jesus Christ.
Our world is broken because we have disrespected the wonderful opportunities God has provided for our salvation. How sad He must be! We are the people of today’s Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to make a difference in this time and place. Our relationships with God and one another can affect the world in a beautiful way. “If God is for us no one can be against us!” –Romans 8:31 Yet evil lurks, therefore we must be united in fellowship!
God continues to love us in ways we may not fully understand, but the mystery of faith is powerful. Today, Oct. 13, 2017, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the messages of Fatima, the day the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children for the last time. This event emphasizes the role of the Immaculate One, the Mother of God, and Her part in our salvation. She identified herself as “The Lady of the Rosary” with simple requests: penance, which is conversion of one’s life, a turning away from sin, and returning to a life with God, the power of prayer, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart.
Every sin, great and small, is an offense against God. Through Fatima, the Blessed Mother tells us that we can make reparation to Him. The Mother of Jesus, who fully participated in the His divine life, the one who suffered through the agony of His death, and honored His resurrection into heaven, is now gloriously declared by Him through the Messages of Fatima.
I recently shared great fellowship with my husband’s classmates at his high school reunion. The 1967 graduates from Saint Rose Academy and Central Catholic in Vincennes were educated at a time when change in the Church was beginning. Their memory of these experiences was enlightening. The 50 years of change in the world since their graduation is astounding!
Fellowship in the Body of Christ is needed in our society! Devote yourself to the teachings of the apostles, to Christian fellowship, breaking of bread, and to prayer. Christ is counting on you! Pray that the next 100 years will be pleasing to God!
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! Amen!
