Dear Holy Family,
Last week we considered what Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had to say about Catholic evangelization. That got me wondering what Pope Francis has said about it. In his first year as pope, our Holy Father wrote, “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ… I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord. If the whole Church takes up this missionary impulse, she has to go forth without exception. But to whom should she go first? When we read the Gospel we find a clear indication: not so much our friends and neighbours, but above all the poor and the sick, those who are usually despised and overlooked, ‘those who cannot repay you’ (Lk14:14).”
Notice Pope Francis’ call for all Catholics to seek personal encounters with Jesus each day and then to share the joy of those encounters with others. Imagine the impact of such a worldly mission!
What joys have you experienced from your own personal encounters with our Lord? I hope you’ll consider sharing by adding a comment to our blog here.
In the peace of Christ,
Bob
PS – Have you signed up to participate in the Holy Moments Challenge at holymomentschallenge.com? Coming in February!
Comments
Steven HumbletPosted on 1/15/23
I think it was in a song just this weekend, "the gifts we've been given are given to share." (Or something close to that.) That gift you have, be it that simple Thank You, the kind word, a smile, it all goes farther than you can ever imagine. I would often get a call from my elderly mother with details of the nice young man or lady that helped her at the store or with some seemingly simple gesture . Seemingly, but in reality a significant Holy Moment. Worthy to share with her son.
I love that t-shirt : In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind.
Jim MartinPosted on 1/15/23
Bob, I have signed up for the challenge. In my prayers I am seeking ways to be a better Christian in 2023 than in 2022 and to see things I can do, and have a passion to do, which will help me. Will see what the challenge brings. Jim