Acts 2:42,44 & Matthew 16:13-20
Today's Acts passage strikes so much in me. It is all about fellowship. It literally means 'devoting ourselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayer' as Acts 2:42 proclaims. This whole reality of being together in faith and fellowship is more important to me now than just seeing my Church friends every so often! The 'breaking of bread and the prayer' means being together in spirit at the Sacrifice of the Mass, if not in body and soul also. I just love being part of the Hounslow Youth Team for this reason. I love that every member of the team are willing to write a sentence for a prayer that we would all pray together no matter where we are at the same time everyday leading up to an event. I love that we all want to be at Eucharistic Adoration together as a team, or that we'll all dedicate a rosary together for the sick. By graces from above, our existence is so spiritually lead that the team is growing! "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" [Acts 2:47]. I truly believe that fruits grow as a result of prayer, and the Church is a way in which we receive nourishment regularly. And I do strongly encourage any young Catholics reading this to find a tight-knit group that you feel you can belong to, and build that fellowship together that incorporates some prayer, socialising, and Mass and/or Eucharistic Adoration. I am so inspired by the youth of Willesden Green (St. Mary Magdalen parish) who board a mini-bus to attend events like Catholic Underground London so that they can actively live out their fellowship and receive from the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament... as well as enjoy a great night of Christian entertainment afterward. "A family that prays together, stays together, and will bear much fruit!" - and that is the truth!
As children of God, we are His family on earth. We make the body of the Church - the bride of Christ. And we should become one in fellowship and prayer with each other. This way, we make it difficult for the devil to attack God's Church... because we are in communion with each other and with the holy angels and saints.
I thank you, Loving Lord Jesus, for the gift of fellowship that helps me to come closer to You. May Your Church receive graces from above to receive You forever more. Be with us so that your Church may become strengthened and filled with Your Spirit of wisdom and courage to become the beacons You have called us to be!
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