May 16, 2010 - Preach the Good News: Words and Deeds

When I served in Detention Ministry, the most popular book of the Bible was St. John the Evangelist’s Book of Revelations. Men and women in the jails and prisons wanted to know when the world was coming to an end and what it would take to be among the saved so that they could work on doing better. Wouldn’t it be great to have that knowledge and believe it! There would be a lot fewer people in jails and prisons crime would have a huge drop, along with abortion, the death penalty, world hunger, war and much of our terrible treatment of one another.

In the Book of Revelation 144,000 will be saved based on 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel-12 is one of those “perfect” numbers in a certain style of theology, 12 Apostles now leading 12 new tribes of the Church: It is also a unit of time. Twelve months in one year. We find that the division of the work for the priests was for twelve groups of priests serving twice each year. So the division of time is related to the work of the people, etc.

The Book of Revelation is filled with ancient numerology, metaphors and symbols that are mystical—and millions have been trying to solve the mystical messages for nearly 2000 years. Many want to pin-down when and who will make it to heaven—don’t we all want to know.

In part getting answers for when it will all come to an end and what will take place is what is going on in our powerful readings in the special celebration of Ascension Sunday. In St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, we hear Jesus asked a question that still remains today:

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” How many lives, how much blood, how much cruelty has taken place down through the centuries over this question as the three main world religions try to dominate the Holy Land.

What does Jesus answer: “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus answer is rarely heeded as so many try to box God in—even claiming to know the end of the world and Second Coming. However, Jesus calls to us to be the messengers of hope in him; not worry about the end of time. Instead he asks, “how do you live in my love and witness me now?” That is what will bring his grace to us—save us.

Such witness and love includes our real sharing of life together, prayer together in homes, not only church. Living as if we are responsible to each other open to mutual correction and challenge to grow in moral behavior, respect of life and striving to become more like Jesus. In Christ’s love of one another, we are mutually accountable to give witness of him daily—to share our faith—in word and deed for we know we can make a difference through faith.

Faith in Jesus is best shared personally includes a parent chatting with a child—a husband and wife expressing their ways in Christ. It is two co-workers or friends having a discussion over lunch. It’s the most effective way of proclaiming and sharing the Good News and message. FAITH IS A LIVED WITNESS SHARED!

The message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ has passed by word-of-mouth down through countless generations, to all corners of the globe for 20 centuries. The primary way the Gospel survives is when one person comes to believe in Jesus tells someone else about the experience — their love for him, his help, or offers to pray out loud—and not be ashamed — of the discipleship he calls us to. Many of you have shared with me what sharing your faith has done for people you know who are suffering or your children/grandchildren, coworkers. There are two people who have entered our Church -our parish- after being married to Catholics for more than 50 years. Both told me it was the faith witness of the spouse and coming to Mass with them that led them to the “altar” in our church to enter our faith and come together in Communion.

But some Catholics are hesitant to talk about faith in Jesus. However, what we omit about our faith and love to others can keep them hurting and feeling helpless. You also know the power of a personal invitation—“come to Mass with me.”

Please give prayerful thought about how you share who you are in Jesus. How often do you share your faith with others; do you invite people to Mass? Then ask yourself: what would’ve happened if everyone kept a secret silence about Jesus? What would your life be like without someone witnessing faith in Jesus to you?

As St. Francis of Assisi said; “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” These days words are necessary along with our actions of showing love for Christ.

Jesus calls to us to be the messengers of hope in him. So many are hungering for you to share your faith!

Evangelize His Love, Fr. Gordon