Deacon Tom Writes,
“Devoted to the Cause”
Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy), Year A
Webster’s Dictionary defines “Devote” as: “to commit by a solemn act 1) as devoted oneself to serving God or 2) to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity”.
Our First reading today expresses the primary and central activity of the early “Believers” following Christ’s death and resurrection…. as being “devoted...to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to prayer.”
This is a unique time for Christians. As we live in the shadow of the Cross and Christ’s Resurrection, we are witnesses to the evil forces all around: in the wars raging in the Ukraine, Sudan, Iran; in the polarization in political and religious life and communities, in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ who lack the necessities of life. The suffering and distress we see around us challenges us to ask if we are “devoted” to following in the footsteps of Jesus as we read those first disciples were those who shared in and responded to those in need. Hopefully our participation in the Pascal Mystery has made us more “devoted” and committed to Christ’s in everyone around us.
We emerge from Easter a little frazzled and dazed yet, as undoubtedly was the case that first Easter, we face the future with renewed hope knowing that our lives will never be the same because of the events of that First Easter Sunday.
We know that as Christianity took root during those early days, many people experienced deep and profound changes in the way they lived their lives as they began to care for and respond to the needs of their families, friends, neighbors and even strangers all because of their devotion to the life and teachings of Christ and the work of the Apostles.
The changes people made were remarkable. We read some of them in the Acts of the Apostles that chronicles the early days of our church and how the community of believers came together initially to be nourished by Word and Sacrament. But it soon grew into much more than that. We read today that….
Awe came upon everyone.
Wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and held things in common.
They would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
...and to the breaking of the bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart.
Praising God and enjoying favor with all people.
And every day the Lord added to their number
those who were being saved…..
People remain devoted to many causes today. Some are devoted to do good for others. Some are devoted to themselves. It is an individual choice!
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we pray that the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation will be with us in mind, heart and spirit and with those who are devoted to serving others.
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.
OTHER RESOURCE
Recommended Reading: Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft who explains that being virtuous is not a means to and end of pleasure, comfort and happiness but rather a way to experience life to the fullest by having the moral character to make right choices along the way.
