Gospel Reflections for July 7 2019
Living in a crazy world
It would be easier to be Christian if there weren’t so many bad people in the world! There are North Koreans, Iranians, terrorists, and even the terrible neighbor you might have next door. We have a contentious political season as well.
I understand when people tell me this. The Disciples even complained in last week’s Gospel about a town filled with hostile people. Sincere Christians must often work with or even live with people who are opposed to our faith.
Jesus offers great advice in today’s Gospel as He prepares His disciples to preach to nearby pagan towns. He keeps His advice simple and direct; (1) first come in peace, (2) learn their culture, (3) do something good that truly helps people, (4) announce Jesus, and (5) simply move on if the message is not well received.
(I have a new book coming out this spring from Ave Maria Press on this Gospel passage)
It is that last idea that is so helpful. Jesus recognizes there are all kinds of people out there and some are not so good. But He also affirms you should never let someone else’s lack of faith, hope, or love, affect your faith, hope, or love. If others accept your faith, great; if not …just move on!
Jesus always respects our freedom, even the freedom of those who reject His message. But that rejection never changed His own faith, hope, and love, nor should it ever change yours either. After all, why would you ever let someone with little or no faith affect your faith? Keep your faith strong and joyful no matter what others may do.
Pope Francis often writes that the main sign that someone has the presence of God within them is their visible sense of joy. We experience that joy by focusing on God’s love for us which helps us love others no matter what they may do. It does not matter if the world has some bad people in it. We know what to do …and we just do it!
That remains our mission here at St. Bruno. All of our events are meant to accomplish something good that helps people, and done with a deep sense of God’s joy, and we never let anything, or anyone, ever distract us from the joy that comes in meeting Our Lord ourselves …and helping others to do so as well.
God bless!
Fr. Dave
Beautiful words Father Dave!!! I have a Circle of Love Prayer Group and we all pray for others and the world but our theme is that it all begins with us to spread our Jesus’ precious love and then the world momemt by moment becomes beautiful for we have helped one person!!! in JESUS’ LOVE!!! You and our precious priests are loving examples of Jesus’ precious love extended to everyone!!! Have a beautiful day and I heard your trip was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful to our Holy Land!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
It seems to me that people behaving badly are like a dark cloud covering the sunny brilliance of God’s love. So we have to get past the darkness. As it says in the song April Showers, “So keep on looking for a bluebird, and listening for his song when April showers come along.” As you say, “simply move on if the message is not well received.”
Very practical advice from Our Lord!
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you so much for this important reflection.
God bless you.
Kathleen A.
You are welcome!