In the book of Acts of the Apostles, we read about how the first Christian community lived. From the beginning, they took on three tasks: liturgy, proclamation and diaconia. The chapel masters of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament contribute to these three tasks.
The apostles gathered faithfully to pray, break bread and listen to the teachings of the apostles. That is liturgy: honouring God in prayer, word and sacrament.
They also bore witness to their faith, openly and courageously. Peter spoke to the people, Paul travelled from city to city. Everywhere they went, they boldly proclaimed that Jesus had risen, even at the risk of their own lives. They often had to flee. To this day, there are people on the run because they want to bear witness to the resurrection. This is proclamation: sharing the Gospel, in words and in attitude.
But the apostles did more. They sold their possessions and shared what they had with those in need. No one was forgotten, especially the poor and widows. From the very beginning, deacons were appointed to take on this task, but it is a task for every Christian. The strength of a community is shown in its care for the most vulnerable among them. That is diaconia: service to others, out of love.
Liturgy, proclamation and diaconia are not separate tasks. Together they form the heart of the Christian community. They connect people with God, with each other and with the world.
What began in Jerusalem grew into a worldwide movement. And Christians still live from that same source, in faith, hope and love – carried by the fire of the Spirit.
