Preparation and Disposition

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary tell of the growth of the Church in Antioch which Friar Jude Winkler points out is marked by the action of the Holy Spirit who is invoked to be present in those chosen to lead. Openness to action of the Spirit often requires preparation. This preparation is for the recipient of the Spirit to be disposed to hear the call of God and to surrender to the Will of God. Friar Jude points out that fasting, wherein we purposely attempt to reduce the internal drive to feed ourselves, opens ourselves to trust in the graciousness of God to show the kindness and faithfulness praised by the psalmist. The guidance of the Spirit in Antioch resulted in the disciples becoming known as "Christian" or followers of Christ. The Gospel of Matthew is presented from two passages, the US Catholic Bishops and Friar Jude Winkler have chosen the Beatitudes from this Gospel (Matt 5:1-12). The Canadian Catholic Bishops and Easterbrooks Catholic Calendar Page point to the instructions of Jesus for those who are going out to minister to people in His name. Both passages are preparation for service. The disposition which is most attuned to receiving the blessing of God is humility, compassion, meekness, hunger for right relationship, open mindedness, mercy, peacefulness, patience, and perseverance. These spiritual gifts will equip the follower of Christ to seek the good and peaceful base from which to freely minster to the needs of the people we encounter as we are led by the Spirit into new relationships as witnesses to the Gospel.