That Yearning to Share (08/05/2024)

Yesterday, before Mass, I had an opportunity to speak to a young man I have known for only a few months. I saw him and spoke to him. His face lit up. His enthusiasm (God within) and excitement were almost tangible. He wanted to share with me what he was learning. He reminded me of who a disciple of Christ is called to be.

He told me he was reading “The Lives of the Saints” and asked me if I knew about that book. I said that I did. Then he asked me if I knew about St. Agnes. I had to smile. I shared with him that she was my Confirmation saint. He then told me all he’d learned about her. He then showed me his Immaculate Conception medal and asked me if I knew the story. I said I did. But before I could go on, he had to leave.

His enthusiasm was like a transfusion yesterday morning. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you, LORD, for so stirring this young man and for his willingness to share the treasure he’d found. His enthusiasm stayed with me through Mass, through the healing prayer gathering of our community, through breakfast with friends, through my day’s activities. And I found myself pleading with our LORD for that gift and for the courage to share with others so joyfully and unselfishly.

When we find the true treasure, we don’t want to hoard it for that isn’t the true treasure’s gift. No, the true treasure demands to be shared with others. When we find Christ, when we know with our whole being that Christ is the Son of God, our loving Savior, we want to share that with others in any way and every way we can. This young man had that desire. This day, I pray that I and all of us can receive this gift that bestows with it a yearning to share that will not be silenced.

This day, no matter where we go, may we experience that yearning to share our love for our LORD with all whom we encounter through word or through deed. May those we encounter experience our joy and our love and may that be a key to open them more fully to the wonder of Christ and His love. As Christ’s disciples, may we be that light in the world I witnessed yesterday in a young man whose joy-filled eyes and wide smile dispelled all darkness, illuminated a path, and invited me to join.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.