Not Just One Day!

Catholic Church pews sit empty. Confessionals are deserted. Young Catholics are leaving the Church trying to “find themselves” in other religions. Parish ministries are begging for volunteers. Catholicism and practicing Catholics are mocked freely in society. Vocations are not meeting the demand caused by retiring priests. Catholic Churches and schools are closing due to lack of participation. Abortions and homosexual marriages are legal. Church scandals have made headlines across the nation.

Is Catholicism doomed to die a slow death? Not at all. We are in our Lord's hands.

What are we to do? The early Christians were not only mocked; they were outnumbered, tortured and murdered for their beliefs. What did they do? They converted a good portion of the world’s population including the Roman Empire. This is the empire that tortured and crucified our Lord three hundred years earlier.

How do we follow the example of the early Christians? The answer is right in front of us and given at the conclusion of every Mass – Go in Peace to Serve and Love the Lord!

Go in peace to serve and love the Lord! How sweet the sound and powerful the message!

We seem to have forgotten what Catholicism is; what made the early Christians so successful in converting people to Christ. They went in Peace to serve and love the Lord. They accepted the Holy Spirit within them. They especially did this when epidemics hit communities – Christians were often the only ones to remain behind to care for the sick. They showed love and respect for their neighbors. They lived the Beatitudes that Jesus taught. Do we?

How often have you seen “road rage” in the Church parking lot following Mass? How often do you see Catholics happy? Do we look like Jesus loves us? If we are not happy, why would others believe we have the true faith? How often do you say God Bless to people in public? Do you practice your faith in public or just at Church? Do you not only own a bible but read it? How about the Catechism of the Catholic Church? Catholicism isn’t just for one hour on a Sunday. Christ should be alive in us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Is it difficult? Yes it is; but it is so worthwhile.

So here is a challenge. Live one day as the Apostles did. Live with Christ alive in you. From the moment you wake until you wake the next morning – allow Christ to live within you.

The way to do this? Start with prayers when you wake; not just prayers for help, but also prayers of thanks to God for all you have. Go to Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Walk with a smile on your face; be happy knowing that you are living this one day for Christ. Say hello to everyone – ask how they are. If you see someone needing help – help them. If you see someone looking sad or depressed, talk to them. Ask if you can help – then help. If you really want to have a great day, talk to them about the love of Jesus Christ. Say grace before meals. Find ten minutes to read the bible or a good Catholic book. Call or visit someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Relax - Slowdown in the car and give way to others. Let others go ahead of you. Pray before going to sleep. Be Happy all day and to everyone you meet!!!

So, go in Peace to love and serve the Lord! Not just one day, but every day!