Wary of heresy in the world

The Collect prayer for the liturgy celebrated today using the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary asks for devotion of the whole heart of the Church to God and unity in purity of intent. The text from the Book of Acts is set in the advice of Paul to the Ephesians as he leaves for Jerusalem to be wary, as Friar Jude Winkler comments of heresy which may come from inside or outside the community. The warning of Paul to be alert is very relevant today as the Church continues to seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and witness so that we may live the Word which Jesus proclaims He has given us in the passage from the Gospel of John. We live in the world, to John those who have decided not to accept the invitation of Jesus, and we need to be on guard not to accept the heresy of the world. The practices of our community of faith, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist, bring the reseting of the vision of our heart on Jesus and what He sees in our brothers and sisters. Acting in love for the world is the mission. The prayer of Jesus that we accept being sanctified, set apart and joyful in persecution as we live this truth is our link to the transformative power of the Spirit to make it so.