"I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazorean, rise and walk." Acts 3:6 (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Vigil)
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. This is a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles. It is a holy day of obligation in the Latin Church, although individual conferences of bishops can remove the obligation as it is the case in the United States.
Like the apostles of the time of St. Peter and Paul, we are people of good will, people of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet, at times we avoid helping others, thinking that we have nothing more to give. Other times we are unwilling to just hear their cries and walk past people as if they were not there, waiting for others to respond, to carry them through. For the world to change, each of us must change, our eyes and hearts must not be indifferent to those who suffer around us or in the world.
If we ever wonder, what can we do to help others, today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles is clear, we have more than just things, time, or abilities; we have a true gift to share! In the name of Jesus, we can just care, speak up for those who are not being heard, and yes, offer a candid word, a simple smile and a listening ear. I invite you today to consider that possibility, to encounter and accompany others, and by doing so, to bring the resurrected Christ to their hearts as you carry them, so they can rise and walk!
Do we truly give with our actions the love that Jesus offers us?
Lord, we pray for all those who suffer as a result of our indifference. Help us to willingly share Your gifts today and always! Amen.
Today's Reflection is by:
Vivi Iglesias
Did you know...
Vivi Iglesias is a Community Engagement Manager with the Southeast Regional Office for Catholic Relief Services, working with the nine dioceses of the States of Florida and Georgia. Vivi serves as Region XIV Chair for the V Encuentro Process of Hispanic Ministry, and is a lay member of the Bishop's Board of Directors of the US Catholic Bishops Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry. A native of Argentina, she is a wife, mother and proud grandmother. Her experience includes almost 19 years of work with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, first in the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, later as Executive Secretary to the Bishop for almost eleven years, and finally as Associate Director of Hispanic Ministry.
