The Cornerstone for the Hands of Many

Prayer-Soldier

The Cornerstone for the Hands of Many

Scripture:

And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor, and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles: and they praying, imposed hands upon them. And the word of the Lord increased: and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith. (Acts 6:1-7)

Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honorable by God: Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded. To you therefore that believe, he is honor: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner: And a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, where unto also they are set. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: (1 Peter 2:4-9)

Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In the house of my Father there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know.

Thomas said to him: Lord, we know not whither you go. And how can we know the way? Jesus said to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him.

Philip said to him: Lord, show us the Father; and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him: Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that sees me sees the Father also. How say you: Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abides in me, he does the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very sake of the works. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believes in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do. (John 14:1-12)

Reflection:

The ministries of the Lord are many, for there is much to do to care for His sheep. The faithful cannot do everything with one hand, but with many hands, much may be accomplished. So it is, that He calls us together in community so that we may worship His glory, share in His Word, minister to one another, care for those who are in need and encourage those who are lost. For each task, there are those who are granted the talents for what must be done. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit will guide the faithful to the good they may do with their gifts. Some may help others to worship. Some may help others to understand the Word. Some may help others to be found from where they are lost. Some may help others who are less fortunate. Blessed are those who come to do His work, for what cannot be done by one hand, will be light work for the many.

To follow His ways brings blessings and great responsibility. He lights a way of love and peace, but the challenges to remaining on His path are numerous. Because of those who believe only in the world and reject His way, He sent His only begotten Son so that the lost children of His creation might find the righteous path; but so many are confounded by earthly desires that they do not see the blessings He offers.

How is it, then, that those who reject Him become so angry when they hear mention of Him or see the symbols of those who believe in Him? How is it they so intensely desire to silence those who speak of Him and seek to remove any reminder of Him? How is it that they are disturbed simply by the presence of the cross upon which He hung? If He is nothing to them, they would simply ignore Him as well as those who follow Him; but every evidence of Him becomes upsetting to them as He is a reminder the pleasures of the world are fleeting and the desires they seek yield only darkness and eternal emptiness.

The choice of the path to follow, He has left to the children of His creation. Blessed are those who chose to follow the light, for as they live by His Word, they may do many wonderful things, good things, righteous things; they may do the works of love for Him and His flock. He is the cornerstone, and upon Him, a strong foundation may be formed for a spiritual house to nurture souls. Though He may be rejected by the world, blessed are those who accept Him, for they accept a place with Him.

He came so that we might see, so that we might hear, so that we might know what is possible and what is to come through Him. For the children of His creation, it is not possible to travel the path to His kingdom without Him, for only He knows the way. His hand is outstretched for all, it is but our choice to take hold and follow.

Many of those who lived in the time He walked the earth believed because of the miracles they witnessed which came from His Word and His hands. No one had seen such works, yet He spoke that those who believe in Him may also do the works that He did and greater. With faith, much may be done. Through prayer, we may be guided in the works we do. We cannot force others to believe, we can only live as an example which causes those who live in darkness to ponder the blessings of living in the light. As we offer ourselves to Him and receive the Holy Spirit within, we will find hands to join ours so that many blessings may be shared. Blessed are those who come together in His name, for through them, the world shall see His glory and the blessings of His love; for each heart which comes to Him, leaves one less soul for the hands of evil.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier