The main idea of the first chapter in our book, Journey through the New Testament, is that we as Catholics are called into relationships. We are called to be in relationships with others as well as God. We should show others that we are Catholics by the way we act in our relationships. I realized the importance of these relationships and how our relationship with Jesus takes place everyday in how we act. Jesus wants us to be in a relationship with him.
I would like to remember Sister Thea Bowman. Sister Thea was gifted with an amazing voice, a brilliant mind, and a great personality. Sister Thea began telling about God's love when she was a teacher. She taught at schools for 16 years. Then Sister Thea was asked to become the diocese's consultant for intercultural awareness. Sister traveled across the country working to break down racial and cultural barriers between communities. Sister Thea was always trying to strengthen or create long lasting relationships for the betterment of everyone.
The apostle's relationship with Jesus after his resurrection was shaky. They were very afraid to go and spread Jesus' teachings. Pentecost was their major changing point. At Pentecost they were filled with the Holly Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave them gift of wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord, and courage
If we as Catholics do not treat the least among as we say that we would treat Jesus are we really Catholics? Are we living up to our end of the relationship with Jesus?
I had many times during my freshman year where I experienced God. The time when I experience the most was during the first freshman retreat. I feel that God was guiding us during our small group discussions. I think that the retreat deepened my faith in God. My relationships with my classmates were strengthened there as well.
