Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"And, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Pet. 2:5)

This is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. We are still celebrating our baptism into Christ's Mystical Body. Christ is the cornerstone and the head of the Church. We are each members of his Body. No member of the body is indifferent to the proper functioning of the whole. The functions of the body are each unique and although complementary cannot substitute each other.

The stone in a temple is another analogy where each has a place and function. What are my gifts? What are my talents? I share responsibility for the Church's mission with the Bishops and Priests. Just as my faith grows when I share it with others, the discovery of my gifts happens when I give them away. I am called to bring the Church wherever I am sent. The part of the vineyard entrusted to me that I neglect remains unchanged.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I an active member of God's Church?
• Do I ask what the Church can do for me rather than what I can do for the Church?
• Am I on the sidelines now or am I actively involved?