Are you flourishing? …or being humiliated? In today’s 2nd reading (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20), St. Paul tells the Philippians that he has “learned the secret” of having plenty or having nothing. His secret to living in any circumstance is to “live in Christ” who strengthens him, something Paul learned from personal experience and not from some book or theory. He learned it from the life of Jesus, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Like Paul, we too can become strong when we live like Jesus, that is, when we live to serve others and not ourselves. This principle woven throughout Scripture—that when we humble ourselves, God raises us up—is the secret to being truly happy in all circumstances.
Some parishioners are sharing with Fr. Steve and myself how they’ve been “off and running” inviting others to come to Mass or other pastorate events and ministries. A 3rd grader invited two of her friends to Mass, a parishioner invited her niece to Mass, and while on vacation overseas, another parishioner invited 5 fellow tourists to join her for Mass following the tour of a church! These are just a few examples. Nothing is easier and more invigorating than praying for people and inviting them to something you’re already going to. It’s contagious. When you see and hear about others doing it, it inspires you to do it. When such power of the Holy Spirit is personally experienced, the phrase “Evangelization as a way of life” goes beyond a mere slogan to become an exciting new reality of changing lives by cooperating with God’s grace. We come to personally experience and be an active part of God’s growing His Kingdom on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19).
“But what if people say ‘no’ to my invitations?” Remember that to fulfill your “3 in 1” commitment, all you need to do is invite 3 people; they don’t necessarily have to accept your invitation. If after you’ve prayed and invited someone to Mass (or to one of our many pastorate events and ministries), and he or she says, “no thank you,” don’t be discouraged. Continue to pray for them, and also pray for others and invite them. Remember today’s gospel parable (Matthew 22:1-14): after many people turned down the king’s invitation to the feast, the king told his servant to invite “whomever you find.” And what happened? The hall was eventually filled with people who said “yes!” Imagine if—for the rest of our lives—we developed the habit of prayerfully and charitably inviting people to join us at Mass and pastorate or ministry events that we’re already going to. Imagine what the Holy Spirit could do with this! This indeed is what the Lord calls us to do. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9).
Good fishing!
Father Jim
