Today’s first reading comes from Romans 10:9-18 and reads, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?
Evangelization. Not a word that is commonly used as Catholics. We are comfortable sharing our “light” by serving the needy, wearing jewelry with a cross or medal and by virtuous example. But what about actually speaking about the person of Jesus to others???? It’s not something that we are 100% comfortable with or even know how to do.
In the first reflection “Grow in Faith the Advent”, I share how the disciples saw that the world NEEDED Jesus and that Jesus NEEDED them to be a light of faith. Is that any different than today? It’s obvious that the world NEEDS Jesus. But just like the first disciples, WE have that same charge- to be lights of faith.
Ponder the above words of the first reading. How can people believe in Jesus without hearing about him? How can they hear about him without someone being willing to share? For us that go to mass regularly, it’s easy to assume that everyone hears the same Gospel message. But more and more, our culture is becoming more secular. Many families barely have any part of faith in their lives. Parents don’t make it a priority and then kids don’t see the need. They’ve been living life void of faith. But the simple truth is, even if they don’t have a relationship with Jesus, God has still created them with that emptiness that only he can fill. We can try to fill our schedules with activities and try to ignore the emptiness by never allowing ourselves to be quiet. But in the end, NOTHING can take the place of the love and mercy of God.
You and I are called to share about Jesus and how knowing him makes a difference in our lives. Pray today that God brings you opportunities to share. In your work, in your play, in your school, in people that you interact with online, there might just be someone that God wants you to talk to. Pray that God brings that person to you and that you have the courage to share and have the right words to speak.
May the Joy of Christ fill your heart this Advent season,
Natalie Burt, founder of Faith & Flavor and Christ Music Kids
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