It's a beautiful thing watching a young person discover the love of Christ. A few months ago when Jay or I mentioned going to Mass, or the Gospel, or even Jesus for that matter, the conversation changed very quickly with a particular young person in our life. It took a drastic move on Jesus' part to get her attention. But boy did He! We have conversations about Jesus and the Bible now. The other night we received a phone call on her way home from work. A comment she made still blows us away . . . she said she pities people who don't know Christ! Lay apostles, this is just a small taste of heaven on earth. To see someone change right before your eyes is miraculous . . . and, a great lesson in patience! His Time, not ours.
In todays Gospel (Matthew 9:32-38), Jesus feels pity for those who are lost and searching in all the wrong places:
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, I found this quote absolutely perfect in describing what happens when we accept Jesus in our hearts:
In todays Gospel (Matthew 9:32-38), Jesus feels pity for those who are lost and searching in all the wrong places:
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, I found this quote absolutely perfect in describing what happens when we accept Jesus in our hearts:
"When one has rejected
God’s mercy, there is the decision to be without God, and one’s
loneliness brings one to bitterness. When one accepts God’s mercy
and one is alone, that loneliness brings one to a longing for heaven
and a pity and compassion for the plight of others who do not
understand what they crave, that is, God."
Lay apostles, instead of becoming angry or irritated with those who criticize or judge us, find peace and solace knowing they are trying to fill the "God" hole with everything other than God. Have pity and compassion for those lost sheep. Jesus needs His lay apostles focused on loving rather than reacting.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me patience is a very important virtue! And, for allowing me to see little glimpses of Your Return through this mission, one soul at a time.
God bless,
Bonnie
Lay apostles, instead of becoming angry or irritated with those who criticize or judge us, find peace and solace knowing they are trying to fill the "God" hole with everything other than God. Have pity and compassion for those lost sheep. Jesus needs His lay apostles focused on loving rather than reacting.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me patience is a very important virtue! And, for allowing me to see little glimpses of Your Return through this mission, one soul at a time.
God bless,
Bonnie
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