roots
"It was to you and your children that the promise was made, and to all those still far off whom the Lord our God calls." —Acts 2:39
On the third day of Easter, the Lord brings to our attention the birthday of the Church. At the first Christian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, three thousand people were baptized, and the Church was born (see Acts 2:41).
The birthday of the Church began at 9 AM with one-hundred and twenty people receiving the Holy Spirit. Then Peter used the Scriptures to preach the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. Because Peter could not be heard outside by thousands of people, probably hundreds of people passed on the gospel to many thousands by speaking to several groups. Thus, the Church began with the Holy Spirit leading hundreds of newborn Christians to lead immediately to Christ, the Church, and Baptism the thousands of people in their midst.
From day one, life in Christ was not a spectator sport. Christians heard preaching not to keep it to themselves, but to proclaim it in the streets and from the rooftops. These are our roots, the origin of the Church. Let us never forget from where we have come. Let us be ourselves and proclaim the gospel always and at all costs.
Prayer: Father, make me like Mary Magdalene in my relationship with Jesus.
Promise: "Mary Magdalene went to the disciples. 'I have seen the Lord!' she announced. Then she reported what He had said to her." —Jn 20:18
Praise: Praise Jesus, the One Who lives forever and holds "the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18).
Reference: (To help you learn our roots in faith, you may wish to order: How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003