It's a beautiful thing watching a young person discover the love of Christ. A memory from years ago comes to mind . . . 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 began to have conversations about Jesus and the Bible. One night we received a phone call on her way home from work. A comment she made blew us away . . . she said she pitied people who didn't know Christ! Lay apostles, this was just a small taste of heaven on earth. Change can occur right before our eyes. But we can't stop there. Loving evangelization is a continuous service to Our Lord, not something to quit/move on from once behaviors appear to be heading in the right direction. Keep your eyes open for those lost sheep . . . you never know the impact of your words may have on those who are searching for God.
In today's 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
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