Heading Home (01/08/2024)

Last evening four of us traveled together to the mission talk that was the beginning of a four-day mission for our pastorate. Our conversation on the way there was friendly and warm and all about us. Our conversation on the way home was focused on sharing what we had heard, articulating it out loud. And I was reminded of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus whose hearts were burning with love as they traveled with Jesus and listened to Him. Truly, our pastorate is blessed to have a man so on fire with love for the LORD and sharing that love.

As we shared, we spoke of how good it is to be able to share our faith out loud with others, to proclaim the Good News to others. As I reflected upon the day, that particular piece kept rising to the top. There was so much that our mission presenter shared that was illuminating and inspiring, even transformative. But the most transformative for me was sharing the love of the LORD that was kindled in us through the power of the Spirit that evening. It was like the widow’s portion with Elijah, the more she shared, the more there was. It was like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the more willingly we shared, the more there was. The LORD’s ways are truly amazing, don’t you think?

As I ended my day of the LORD packed with time of prayer and focus on my journey in faith, with hope, fueled by love of the LORD and all the LORD’s daughters and sons, I not only thanked the LORD for a meaningful and blessed day, I thanked the LORD for the opportunity to share the Good News with others. I asked the LORD to grant me more opportunities to do that because I know that every time I do share, my “supply” isn’t diminished but rather increased.

As we continue our journeys, let us be not only prepared to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others but eager to do so. Let us seize every opportunity to share that which we know to be true, Jesus, Son of God, our Savior gave His life so that we might have life and have it in abundance. He died and rose from the dead and conquered sin and death for humanity.

Let us proclaim the Good News always. To quote St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach always, and when necessary, use words.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.