by Sister Paulette Hupfauf
In the early Church, just as in our time, there was confusion about what is required to be a Catholic (Christian). Paul, Barnabas and the apostles were working with diverse people from Antioch, Syria and Cilicia of Gentile origin. It was a time of transition. What were they to teach when Jesus was no longer with them?
The Gospel of John says, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them. ... If you love me, keep my commandments. ... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."
So as the Entrance Antiphon says, "Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard." May our lives proclaim a joyful sound as we keep the commandments.
Thanks, Paulette. I appreciate your thoughts and challenge to proclaim God's love in action.
Love it!! Thanks Auntie!
Sister Paulette.....thanks for sharing and the encouragement to continue proclaiming "joyful sound"! We miss you, hope you are well!
I am particularly fond of John's Gospel because he repeats over and over again how Jesus commanded us to love one another. I believe if we truly do that, we have the commandments covered. Every year I write "Love One Another" on the board in my CCD classroom and leave it there all year long hoping that my students will read it over and over again and live it in their lives.
Thank you for a wonderful message! Through these wonderful messages each week I am closer to God. Miss not seeing you at St. Jude.