“You have the words of eternal life …. You are the Holy One of God.”

Peter’s words to Jesus speak as an attestation of our faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As we read in Acts, the Apostles were indeed devoted and determined to continue Jesus’ mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as they traversed many lands. We witness through Scripture the miracles performed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Their actions were even a reflection of what Jesus did while walking this earth. Their message was the same; their firm determination to spread God’s message was the same. Even the miracles they performed were similar to those performed by Jesus. Peter called upon Jesus to heal Aeneas so that he would walk, just as Jesus had healed the paralytic, and he invoked Jesus to awaken Tabitha from death, just as Jesus had raised Lazarus.

The Gospel, however, tells us that some of the disciples may have walked away from the Word. Some may have returned to their lives before hearing Jesus’ message rather than facing the challenge and difficulty of change. I’m sure we all have faced a personal dilemma where the temptation to turn away exists. Perhaps it is then that Jesus asks, “Do you also want to leave?”

Our world needs to know God’s love, hope, and peace. It is in His gift of the Eucharist where His Spirit empowers us. We are His voice, His hands, and His feet. “…if love is the way that God has saved the world in Jesus, it is also given to us as we travel life’s path, to rebuild the fabric of the church, and a new society.” (from “May God Be Praised!” The Eucharistic Life According to Saint Peter Julian Eymard,” Mario Vecchiato SSS)

Prayer:

Your Words are Spirit and Life, O Lord. Your message of love and hope resounds in my heart. Forgive me for the times I may have faltered and doubted in my weakness that you were with me. Please grant me a strong heart filled with your Holy Spirit, that I may always see the hope and love you have promised, and that I may be a beacon of that love to others. Amen.