Consecrate Them In Truth
Dear Parishioners,
The Easter message continues to inspire us while expanding our horizon on the mission before us. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit chooses Judas’ successor with the help of the Christian community. In today’s gospel the apostles were sent off on a mission to the whole world. We are included in this new mission Jesus entrusted to his disciples. He invites us to share in his friendship.
Last Sunday, Jesus calls us friends. As you know, friendship is a deliberate choice one makes after careful consideration. Our acquaintances in life are many but our friends are relatively few. Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. In the course of our lives there are many things we do not have control over. We do not choose our parents, siblings, neighbors or colleagues. There are things we can chose, like applying for a job, loan or a scholarship; when accept it we feel a sense of accomplishment. However, it is more delightful when someone makes the move to choose us when least expected.
As Jesus comes to the end of his earthly ministry, he commissioned his disciples to assume the responsibility of spreading the good news of Easter Joy. For several years he has been forming and training his disciples, and they are convinced of the reality of resurrection. Jesus did not only share His knowledge of the Father with his disciples, He also shares his love as well. We learn from Jesus that it is God who first loves us. We did not have to seek God out; He found us. “Jesus’ love is shown in three ways. First, He surrenders his life for the sake of the beloved, the highest form of love. Second, the beloved is no longer called salve but friend and, third, it is Christ who chooses the beloved, not vice versa.
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, who will be the advocate to the disciples and a guaranteed presence of God among his friends. To protect his disciples from the allures of the world and Satan, Jesus consecrated his friends and disciples to the sanctification of the Holy Spirit and to a life dedicated to God’s word and commandments. This ultimately means a consecration in Jesus himself, who is the way, truth, and life. Consecration and mission are inseparable. Just as Jesus was missioned to the world, so too are the disciples.
Everyone who is baptized is bathed and anointed. You are called to participate in the mission of Christ. You are consecrated for the mission too. Christ prays that when we are sent to the world, we do not lose ourselves in it. The danger is always there. But consecration for mission means that there is no escaping the danger.
The Holy Spirit is given to us. He directs the life of the Church and of each individual member. He supplies our needs for a better understanding of our faith. Jesus continues to pray for us to his Father. His love for his Father overflows into tender affection for us. We learn from him two important things: dedication to God and service of his people, which translate to fulfilling of the command to love God and to love our neighbor.
Sincerely Yours In The Lord,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
