April 7, 2002

Who does not rejoice on hearing of a healthy newborn baby? We marvel at every new miracle as we witness it – a perfect little person, crying, breathing, gripping, sucking, sleeping, and smiling. This week we marvel at the miraculous things that happen in a community that is newborn in the Spirit of Christ.

People are drawn to a newborn baby. We cannot stop staring. "LOOK! She has ten tiny toes. See he has eyelashes." As the baby grows, we care for her every need and watch for every new miracle. "He reached out for a toy today." "She said DADA!" A new activity is an event we celebrate a story that we share and all that will listen.

Today's scripture tells the story of the fruits of Christ's long labor. They celebrate the miracle of the perfectly formed community that breathed in the Spirit of the risen Christ! The disciples were not themselves. It was as though they had been born again, and as though the old spirits in them had been replaced by the spirit of Christ Himself. They praised God, found new meaning in the Scriptures, shared nourishment in the Eucharist, treated on another one another with love, endured suffering, and reached out to all in need. They hoped again, laughed again, and believed and forgave and lived in peace. It was a miracle. No wonder others were drawn to this newborn baby community.

Every new sign of life and health in a baby gives us joy. And, every sign of illness or distress worries us. We want to do something about it. Is there a sign of distress in your community's life together or in your own faith life that shows a need for extra nurturing?

SO THE QUESTION: WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU CAN DO TO NURTURE THE VITALITY AND FAITH OF YOUR FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY THIS WEEK?

 

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