Acts 18:23-28
John 16:23-28
In today’s first reading, we have a story of an already famous preacher named Apollos who comes to town and does an amazing job of preaching the Gospel. However, it seems he is only aware of the baptism of John the Baptist and not that of the baptism that Jesus gave the community.
So, it is members of that Community, Priscilla, and Aquila-interesting married couples, who take him aside and teach him about the baptism that Jesus taught. Every time these couples’ names who were tentmakers are mentioned in the New Testament they are spoken of as important and influential leaders in the Christian Community and authentic witnesses to the Gospel. (Acts:18:2-19; Rom16:3;.1Cor16:19;2Tim4:19)
Apollos seems to welcome their teachings and then continues on his apostolic way further in learning and acquiring the knowledge of God in sacred scriptures. The same is true in the Church today. There are those who are well-known as preachers of the Gospel, for example, Our Holy Father, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and other public faith leaders.
But the truth is that it is the unknown people in the pews, men, and women, married and single, young and old, who have a living relationship with Christ and are faithful to Him, whom God has chosen to be the bedrock of the proclamation of the Gospel, who took the pains and sufferings known by God; who are the most authentic and effective witnesses to Christ living amongst us.
We are called today to desire the knowledge of God impacted upon us in the Church through the power of the Holy Spiritand to our homes and entire family a holy and united holy family. May we cherish the personal call and our relationship with Him. May the Holy Spirit draw us closer to Himself. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
