Carrying the message

From the beginning, God has entrusted his people with a series of missions. In the beginning, he charged us with the task of caring for the earth (Genesis 1:28); prior to his ascension, Jesus instructed us to care for His people by teaching them about the good news:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

- Matthew 28: 19-20

Clearly we need to get on the ball if we’re going to be successful with either charge. The state of our environment shows that we have failed with the first task so far. The state of our collective souls says a lot about our progress with the second – and most important – task.

This isn’t a job left to priests, but to the entire Church… to us. At times this may seem a task beyond our capabilities, but read this quote from St. Francis de Sales:

Go then, full of courage to do what you are called to do, but go in simplicity. If you are apprehensive, tell your soul that the Lord will provide. If awareness of your weakness wears on you, cast your hope in God and put your confidence in Him. The Apostles were fisherman and for the most part ignorant, uneducated fishermen. God made wise men of them to the degree needed for the tasks He would give them. Have confidence in Him, trust in providence and fear nothing. Do not say, “I have no talent for speaking well.” It does not matter, go without making a speech. God will give you what you need to say and do when the time is right. If you have no virtue or see no talent in yourself, do not be troubled because if you do it for the Glory of God, God will take care of you and will be obliged to give you the strength for all that is necessary.

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Don’t forget to enter this week’s caption contest! You can find it here.

I'm planning on holding one every Wednesday - I've had fun seeing your creative ideas.