our partnership - 32nd week satruday 2014

Today we read from the 3^rd letter of John, a letter addressed to Gaius.  It is a short personal letter asking Gaius meant to secure hospitality and material support for missionaries.  Specifically John the elder is asking Gaius to take care of Demetrius who had come to preach the gospel in the vicinity where Gaius lived.  The elder John commended Gaius for his hospitality in receiving pilgrims, missionaries and itinerant preachers of the gospel sent by John to the many churches scattered all over the area.  Gaius ministered to them and supported them by welcoming them into his house and by giving them material assistance in their work.  For this John the elder called Gaius a co-worker in the truth, a fellow worker in the truth because of his hospitality to a minister of God, and because of this Gaius shares in the merit of the preacher, he receives the prophet’s reward.  Paul would also commend such hospitality and support shown to those working for the Lord’s vineyard and would refer to this as a partnership in the gospel.

Whatever the terms used – fellow workers in the truth or partnership in the gospel, it is a recognition that the apostolate is the work of the community of faith and not just by a few specialized individuals.