The opening words of the first reading speak of both the goodness and potential of God’s people that are a caring and healing power for God’s people.The faith gifted you in your baptisms empowers you in your daily lives. I suggest that your faith can be likened to the "luxuriant vine" that will produce much produce if it is nourished well. A group as large as you are is a potentially incredible power for our Church, for society. Despite personal failures – which ironically become for many the key that unlocks the door of personal conviction – you are the vine that can offer fruit to various communities because, if you want, you are open to the unique experiences of God’s graces. Happenstance is not what brings you to God’s presence in Eucharist so often. It is because God has seen grace and goodness in you as the potential for drawing many others to Christ Jesus. This is truly a challenging and even a frightening thought. Do you believe me? I hope so.
Each of you has been chosen by God – again regardless of past failures or sins – to be like one of the apostles who names are recorded in the gospels.
You share in an extraordinary gift each time you gather round this church’s altar. Here you seek not just the grace of God but the face of God ... for yourselves and for others in your communities who are seeking to know a loving and caring God.
When you leave St. Joseph’s Church today, don’t forget this reality: you go forth as an apostle, as God’s messenger. You are his 21st century apostles and he is sending you to the lost sheep of our Church. You are the hearts and doors that can open a whole new experience of faith, grace and peace for others. Your life, your witness, your conviction empower you to be the voice of God to cure every disease and every illness that challenges others. Please, never forget your role as chosen apostles.
