the year
"For a whole year they met with the church and instructed great numbers." —Acts 11:26
This is the long-awaited year of the Great Jubilee. "The hand of the Lord" is with us "and a great number" of people are believing and converting "to the Lord" (Acts 11:21). We are rejoicing "to see the evidence of God's favor" (Acts 11:23). We are seeing men and women "filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers" are being "added to the Lord" (Acts 11:24).
Although some people are still in a spiritual winter (see Jn 10:22), many have entered into a new springtime of the Christian life (Toward the Third Millennium, Pope John Paul II, 18). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is calling His sheep, and they are hearing His voice and following Him (Jn 10:27). He is giving "them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (Jn 10:28).
"Listen to what I say: Open your eyes and see! The fields are shining for harvest! The reaper already collects his wages and gathers a yield for eternal life" (Jn 4:35-36). "One thing is certain: everyone is asked to do as much as possible to ensure that the great challenge of the Year 2000 is not overlooked" (Toward the Third Millennium, 55). Give yourself totally to the Lord. Make this year of the Great Jubilee the greatest year of your life.
Prayer: Father, make this year the turning point.
Promise: "The works I do in My Father's name give witness in My favor." —Jn 10:25
Praise: Ron decided to read the Gospel of John out of curiosity. By the time he finished, he had given his life to Jesus and returned to the Church.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999