“Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them. More than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men & women, were added to them.”
The story of the early church, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, not only records what happened, but motivates us today, to continue the apostolic work. We sometimes fail to see that our hands are the hands of the apostles, or of Christ working in our world today. Do you remember the story of the reconstructed chapel destroyed by bombs in Europe? American GIs restored almost everything, but a shattered statue of the Sacred Heart lacked fingers and hands. They placed a sign in front of the icon reading ‘I have no hands but yours.’
We are the hands of the Lord, because we are missionary disciples. A kind word, a gracious invitation, a gentle reminder of the love of Jesus to one who is hurting or lonely, can restore the church in the heart of someone. Reach out! Today, the Spirit of God asks us to hit the streets and find those seeking, waiting and yearning for God’s gift.