by Rick Cheek
A couple weeks ago, I was approached at my home by a couple of missionaries who were out spreading the Gospel.
Now for me, this is something that I’m usually annoyed by. But this time, I thought I’d listen, even though I was covered in mud from pulling weeds.
I asked how I could help them. They said they were just out spreading the good news of the kingdom of God and asked if I had heard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
With a smile on my face I said, “Oh yeah, have I ever!”
I shared with them the love of my Catholic faith, especially in my devotion to Our Blessed Mother and my love of the Eucharist.
They were taken aback a little and didn’t expect that kind of response, I guess. Their response was, “Well, it’s obvious that you have a good relationship with Jesus and we’re happy for you. We run into so many who haven’t heard of him before.”
I said, “Yes, in our society, the almighty electronic device has replaced many things, especially our ability to communicate with each other.” Not that we can’t do something about that. We can, and it begins with prayer.
Before they left, I asked if there was anything that I could offer up in prayer for them. I don’t think they were expecting that, either. I prayed for them in their continuing mission of spreading the good news and they moved on.
In 1 Pt 3, it says: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame” (15-16).
I was glad that I just didn’t arrogantly tell them that I didn’t have time to hear what they had to say and go back to my weeds. We’re all in this together.
We need to weed out those things that keep us from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ — not only to our own family but to those who have never heard of him before. And to do it with great love.
There are many ways to share the Gospel, but it has to begin at home. Take time to pray together, have a meal together AT HOME. Family camp is another way, too.
And when you go out to share your faith, remember the words of Cardinal Francis George: “People will remember the faith you had, not the words you preached.”
Be that example of faith and be not afraid.
