By Father Richard A. Kieran

In the early years of the Church, according to the Acts of the Apostles, miracles were common, they shared all they possessed, material and spiritual, with those in need and the membership increased dramatically. (cf. Acts 2:42-47) Many who read today about those exciting events in the first century attribute them to the special circumstances of the infant Church. They never expect to experience such events in the Church of the 20^th Century.

In 10 years working for renewal in the Catholic Church, I have learned to expect such happenings as signs of a new Pentecost. These events are by no means common yet, but I am greatly encouraged by the increasing evidence of them lately.

The most significant miracles I witness are the transformations of lives, as Catholics turn progressively to the Lord in a radical new commitment of faith. I know that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our midst as I see people from all walks of life begin to take absolutely seriously the priorities of the Gospel, "… so that men should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life for them." (I Cor. 5:15)

I find increasing numbers of Catholics reevaluating very seriously their attitude toward what they possess, materially and spiritually. There is a new realization that we are not owners but stewards of what we have received. There is a growing concern to share our material and spiritual blessings with others, "… so that the saints form a unity in the work of service; building up the Body of Christ." (Eph. 4:12)

A dramatic growth is taking place in the Church also, not in the number of Catholics, but in the number of committed Catholic Christians. An increasing number of Catholics are moving beyond the fads and negative criticisms of the immediate post-conciliar years. They are coming to a new understanding of the importance and responsibility of being Catholic Christians today. They have caught a vision and are ready for action in Christ's name.

This renewed Church is demanding more of its spiritual leaders. More than ever, they must be strong and enthusiastic for the work of the Lord. What our spiritual leaders are most urgently asked to provide seems to be:

A strong and clear proclamation of the Gospel. Spiritual leaders are expected to witness to the Gospel, "in which they themselves rejoice in the Lord." (Vatican II, Priestly Life and Ministry, No. 4) They are to witness by what they are in the Lord and by what they say with Him. "The task of priests is not to teach their own wisdom but God's Word, and to summon all men eagerly to conversion and holiness."

A spiritually uplifting and relevant worship. Spiritual leaders are expected to guide in worship as deeply spiritual men and women, who are truly in touch with the Divine and can reveal it in the circumstances of today.

A building up of "genuine Christian community." The spiritual leader is to be the one who ignites the community with a sense of mission.

Those who are called by God to be spiritual leaders today in the Catholic Church face great challenge. My word of encouragement to anyone considering such a vocation is that it is possible because, "God has called you and he will not fail you." (I Thess. 5:23) Today's spiritual leader must realize more than ever that he or she is a man or woman sent by God.