Friday, February 15, 2008

Acts 12, 24-25 The word of God continued to spread

(Acts 12, 24-25) The word of God continued to spread
[24] But the word of God continued to spread and grow. [25] After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark.
(CCC 1101) The Holy Spirit gives a spiritual understanding of the Word of God to those who read or hear it, according to the dispositions of their hearts. By means of the words, actions, and symbols that form the structure of a celebration, the Spirit puts both the faithful and the ministers into a living relationship with Christ, the Word and Image of the Father, so that they can live out the meaning of what they hear, contemplate, and do in the celebration. (CCC 1102) "By the saving word of God, faith… is nourished in the hearts of believers. By this faith then the congregation of the faithful begins and grows" (PO 4). The proclamation does not stop with a teaching; it elicits the response of faith as consent and commitment, directed at the covenant between God and his people. Once again it is the Holy Spirit who gives the grace of faith, strengthens it and makes it grow in the community. The liturgical assembly is first of all a communion in faith.

No comments: