By the Holy Spirit the Early Church Witnesses

to True Discipleship

Opening PrayerEver living and loving

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Spirit in us, inspiring us, prompting us to minister to one another. Amen.

What are the virtues shown in the selection?

• Readiness to help, commitment to service and mission, discipleship, giving glory to God, etc.

“Heroism Comes From the Heart”

There are times in life when we cannot stand alone. There are times when we need someone to be our legs, our arms, and our friend.

If everyone would respond to our need at those times, no one would be in want for everybody would be ministering to one another.

Sacred Scriptures: Acts 2:42-47

“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles…

The early Church witnessed to true discipleship. The

community of believers was of one heart and one mind.

What are the characteristics of the early Church

communities?

• “devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles

before

now

• communal life

• to the breaking of the bread

prayers

Because of their true witness… a great number of people joined and believed. The Church grows through the Holy Spirit.

The early Church modeled true friendship by sharing their resources, taking care of one another and inviting others to believe

It was a communion, a koinonia, which means fellowship in Christ, He who united them in faith, hope, and love.

If we follow their example, we will embrace everyone who wants to become part of God’s family, despite different backgrounds and personalities. The call to discipleship is a call

to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who relies on us to be His eyes, ears, hands, and voice in today’s world, to be Him for the sake of others.

•The bishops, priests and deacons have special roles of leadership in the Church; but the mission to evangelize and serve is shared by all the faithful. Not all of us are called to formal ministry, but all are called to act with Christ’s compassion wherever we are.

…to bring our moral convictions into our decision-making at home, in school, etc. where we belong. …to share our faith through the daily events of our lives, and by doing so, hopefully help others to see the great love Christ has for His people.

WHAT IS THE CALL FOR ALL OF US?

Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, 89-90,

Christ calls us to form a Christian community. He wants the Church to be "a communion

of life, love and truth" "a community of faith, hope and

charity".

LET US MOVE ON• How does your knowledge of the

life of the early Church helps you better understand the life of the Church today? •How can the Church today mirror

the communal life lived by the early Christians?

How can you witness to Christ in your life as youth , as a student and as His true disciples?

•How can you be arms and hands of Jesus for the accomplishments of His mission today?

As true disciples of Jesus, how will you creatively participate and respond

personally and specifically to the realities and issues of our

times.