Homily for the Fifth Tuesday of Easter (Acts 14:19-28) “The Spirit Shows the Way”

 Homily for the Fifth Tuesday of Easter (Acts 14:19-28) “The Spirit Shows the Way”

One of the things we read about a lot in the Acts of the Apostles is what we call ecclesiology. We hear a lot about what it means to be church.  We also hear about the practical organization of the church. 

Jesus did not give a manual to his disciples about how to organize a church.  People often say when they face a new challenge, “Well we will just have to make it up as we go along.”  The apostles had to literally make it up as they went along. 

But Jesus did give the Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The first missionaries relied on the Spirit when they had to develop organizational structures.  We hear of Paul and Barnabas starting churches throughout Asia Minor.  The first thing that they did was appoint presbyters to lead the early Christian communities.

Paul and Barnabas did not say, “Take care of yourself.”  They knew that every organization needs to have leaders. If leadership is good the organization will prosper.  If it is not, then things will not go so well.

Paul and Barnabas must have chosen well because most of the churches they founded grew and added members.  The early Christians reached out to their neighbors and invited them to become followers of Jesus Christ. They wanted to share the gift of faith they had received.

Yesterday or local Church received the news that we will have a new coadjutor bishop in the Diocese of Peoria.  Our prayer is that this choice was truly the work of the Spirit.  The church needs inspiration in the times in which we live.  May our new bishop follow in the footsteps of the Apostles and guide our parishes into a deeper relationship with the Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do we believe that the church cannot function without people in leadership positions?  What type of leaders does the church need?  What qualities do they need?

2. How should church leaders be chosen?  What does it mean to be a servant leader?

Dear Parishioners,

            I received word yesterday that a new coadjutor bishop has been appointed for the Diocese of Peoria.  When a coadjutor bishop is named, it is with the understanding that he will succeed the present bishop.

            Our Bishop Daniel Jenky says that he asked for a coadjutor bishop because he is in declining health.  He has various problems with his legs and back he was unable to fulfill a lot of his duties.  Pope Francis granted Bishop Jenky’s request for assistance.

            We are pleased to welcome Fr. Louis Tylka from the Archdiocese of Chicago.  He is presently pastor of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park, Illinois.  He is 49 years old and has been in parish ministry his whole life.  In other words, he has a lot of practical experience.  We are most grateful that he will be able to assist Bishop Jenky through his last two years as our bishop.  Hopefully, this will mean that there will be a smooth transition when Bishop Jenky retires.

            Bishop designate Louis has an introductory video on the Diocese of Peoria website  https://cdop.org/tylka/. I invite everyone to view it.  He does a wonderful job of introducing himself.  Unfortunately, because of the COVID 19 epidemic there will be no ordination for a while. 

            Let’s pray for Bishop designate Tylka and hope that he grows to love his flock in Peoria and that we learn to appreciate his gifts.

            May our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

            Fr. Mark