fine tuning

acts 19:1-8; psalm 68 Sing to GOd, O kingdoms of the earth; John 16:29-33

First the acts of the Apostles

Over the past couple of weeks we have encountered several occasions in which a faithful member of the church encounters someone who is Christian but not quite fully yet. They take time to give instruction, to guide and help set them straight.

Acts 18:23-28 Priscilla and Aquila encounter Apollos and when they heard him speak, though he spoke "boldly" and he was an "authority on scripture", they pulled him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

And today, Paul meets a group of twelve who were professed disciples of Jesus yet they had not heard of the Holy Spirit, so Paul takes them aside, instructs them and baptizes them.

In both instances, self-proclaimed disciples were in need of some fine tuning in their understanding of scripture and Christ and how to live and teach the faith most fully.

The early church reminds us that it wasn't enough to "believe" in Christ, but you had to know the fullness of faith. Paul and Priscilla and Aquila made sure the fullness was understood so that the fullness could be carried forth and proclaimed.

These instances in sacred scripture should encourage us and remind us that just because some one is a self-professed Christian doesn't mean they are not in need of a little fine tuning.

So we should take a little time.

It also reminds us to make sure we are in tune when we go out into the world.

An instrument in tune makes a beautiful song to the Lord, as the psalmist tells us, "sing to God, chant praise to his name" but before you do, just make sure you are in tune.

When in doubt search scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic church, get your tuning in, then play loudly and let the song be heard.