BEING MENTORS
We, too, are also challenged to be mentors to others who are searching
and to help them experience a new chapter in their lives with God.
Reading from the
Acts of the Apostles, Priscilla and Aquila are pictures of God's Spirit at
work. We learn that Apollos knew only the baptism of John and apparently not of
the Spirit poured out on all those who walk in faith. When we read the story of
Pentecost in the Book of Acts, the Old Testament prophet, Joel, is quoted as he
looks for a day when the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all God's children
and they would prophesy.
There is a great
scene in this Scripture where they take Apollos, newly instructed in the faith,
under their wings to mentor him in his faith and work. Apollos was bursting
with great zeal for the Good News, and instead of Priscilla and Aquila
chastising him for being a bit too bold and shaky in his theology, they engaged
with him personally, offering their wisdom and experience. Priscilla and Aquila
followed the example of the true Teacher, Jesus, Who often taught in ways of
illustration or parables. Here He speaks not in "figures," but in
plain speech.
Jesus Christ
revealed to His followers and others the hidden treasure of the heavenly
Kingdom and He taught them how to pray to the Father in His Name. Jesus opens
the heart and speaks in the plainest language: "The Father Himself loves
you!" Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus makes it possible for the
disciples, and for us today, to have a new relationship with God, Who is our
Father. In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul wrote, "When we cry, 'Abba!
Father!' it is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are
children of God" (Rom 8:15b - 16).
We, too, are also
challenged to be mentors to others who are searching and to help them
experience a new chapter in their lives with God. What experience and
encouragement can we gift them with? And what might you and I gain in return?
For "God is King of all the earth" (Ps 47:8a).
Let Us Be Mentors!