Our impression of the early Church is that St. Paul is the only preacher and minister that have spread the Gospel, especially to the lands of the Gentiles. There are so many writings, books and testimonies about him and it is his writings that have been our source of guidance on how to live according to the Gospel.
It is very important that we also recognize the fact that St. Paul did not work alone. He had many co-workers, friends and supporters who helped him in his works at the time of his ministry. The early Church is working under an organized structure with the Apostles headed by St. Peter forming the elders group that is consulted even by St. Paul for questions regarding the practice of the faith.
It is well documented through the Book of Acts in the Bible how the Church progressed through the works of many men and women. The fulfillment of Christ’s promises and God’s plan for man is slowly unfolding at this time. Through the Holy Spirit, the Apostles had received the power to be witnesses of the Gospel. During the first half of the book, it was the Apostles headed by St. Peter that stood prominently in proclaiming the Gospel among the Jews. But Jesus’ plan for His Church and for salvation of mankind is not confined to be within and among the Jews alone.
The climax came at the time of St. Paul’s conversion, which ultimately led to the propagation of the Gospel among the Gentiles in Asia and Europe. St. Paul worked really hard for the Gospel among the Gentiles, but he could have not achieved what God had intended without the help of the community members of the places he have visited. There are others prominently mentioned in the book of Acts, John and the other Apostles, Apollos, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla and many others who have worked with the two.
The early Christian community readily submitted themselves to the power of the Holy Spirit thereby achieving unity among them. Unity is the work of the Holy Spirit. Even at times of great debates and disagreements, everyone would submit to the authority of the council of elders preserving the harmony of the community in different areas of the known world.
It is through this commonality in mission and vision that carried the faith even through its darkest moment of history – the persecution of the Church.
It is the same as today. Our lives as members of the Couples for Christ (CFC) community and the Catholic Church in general are focused on how we can propagate the Gospel through CFC’s own charism in renewing the face of the earth. Together we testify through our unique way of CFC life, through our relationships within our family circle and among the brethren in the community. Whatever way we serve in the community, it is a matter of fact that we all recognize the importance of everyone’s role in the work we all do for God.
CFC is a dynamic community. It is continually evolving becoming an indispensable part of human society. From being a family renewal movement, it has also made an indelible mark in being a leading church of the poor advocate. A work that is centered on Christ’s love and service for the deprived and abandoned. CFC is a real missionary community of believers, united in making this world a better place to live in under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
